Japanese Grand Prix – Formula 1 2026

About the Japanese Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix is one of Formula 1’s most historic and revered events, held at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. First appearing on the world championship calendar in 1976 and hosted at Suzuka since 1987, the race has frequently played a decisive role in championship battles, with numerous titles settled on Japanese soil. Located in Mie Prefecture, the circuit is owned by Honda and is celebrated for its passionate fans, unique figure eight layout, and demanding sequence of high speed corners that reward precision and commitment. Its late season slot has often added extra drama, though it now also serves as a crucial early benchmark for teams under modern calendar rotations.

Suzuka measures 5.807 km and features 18 corners, including legendary sections such as the flowing “S Curves,” the daunting 130R, and the tight Casio Triangle chicane that precedes the start finish straight. Elevation changes and fast directional transitions make it one of the most technically challenging tracks on the calendar, placing heavy demands on both driver skill and car balance. With limited overtaking zones but a rhythm that punishes mistakes, the circuit is widely regarded by drivers as one of the purest tests of performance in Formula 1.

Japanese Grand Prix Fast Facts

Japanese GP Past Winners

Japanese GP FAQs

When is the Japanese GP 2026?

The Japanese Grand Prix runs from 27 to 29 March 2026 at Suzuka Circuit. See the schedule above for exact times in your local timezone and track time.

How many laps is the Japanese GP?

The Japanese GP is contested over 53 laps around the Suzuka Circuit.

What is the length of the Japanese F1 track?

The circuit length at Suzuka is 5.807 km per lap.

Who holds the Japanese GP lap record?

The race lap record at Suzuka is 1:30.983, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2019.

Which driver has most Japanese GP wins?

Michael Schumacher holds the record with six Japanese Grand Prix victories.

What makes the Japanese GP special?

Suzuka’s unique figure-eight layout, high speed corners, and passionate fan atmosphere make it one of the most technically demanding and revered circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.

Suzuka Circuit

The Suzuka Circuit is one of Formula 1’s most iconic and technically demanding venues, hosting the Japanese Grand Prix regularly since 1987. Located in Mie Prefecture and owned by Honda, the purpose built circuit is famous for its unique figure eight layout, the only one of its kind in Formula 1, where one section of the track crosses over another via a bridge. Designed by Dutch engineer John Hugenholtz as a test track for Honda, Suzuka combines flowing high speed corners with significant elevation changes, creating a circuit that rewards precision, commitment, and driver confidence. Its passionate and knowledgeable fanbase further enhances the atmosphere, making it one of the most revered stops on the calendar.

The circuit measures 5.807 km and features 18 corners, including legendary sections such as the Esses, the Degner curves, Spoon Curve, and the daunting 130R, one of the fastest corners in Formula 1. The long back straight leads into the tight Casio Triangle chicane, a key overtaking point before the start finish straight. Suzuka places heavy demands on tyres, aerodynamics, and driver stamina due to the relentless sequence of high speed direction changes, leaving little margin for error. As a result, it is widely regarded by drivers and engineers alike as one of the purest and most complete tests of car performance in the sport.

• Track length: 5.807 km
• Laps: 53
• Corners: 18
• Lap record: 1:30.983 — Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes, 2019)
• Capacity: Approximately 155,000
• First F1 race: 1987

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