Suzuka, Japan – The Japanese Grand Prix marks the final Formula 1 race before a break in the calendar, and the stakes are high. Kimi Antonelli has the opportunity to take the championship lead with a victory, while Red Bull Racing and McLaren are both looking to rebound from a difficult weekend in China. Max Verstappen boasts a formidable track record at Suzuka, but can he overcome any shortcomings with his car to maintain his winning streak?
The early part of the 2026 F1 season has been impacted by geopolitical factors and religious observances. Due to Ramadan, the opening races were held in Australia and Asia rather than the Middle East. Further complicating matters, the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have been postponed due to the ongoing conflict between the United States, and Iran. So the Formula 1 drivers face a four-week gap after the Japanese Grand Prix, unless they opt for some track time elsewhere, such as endurance racing at the Nürburgring.
Early Start to the Weekend
Fans eager to watch the first free practice session on Friday will need to set their alarms early. Teams will begin collecting data at 03:30 local time. Red Bull will be particularly keen to capitalize on this opportunity after a less competitive showing in China compared to the pre-season tests and the Australian Grand Prix. The team hopes to rediscover the form they displayed in Melbourne and will welcome the three practice sessions.
Verstappen drove in Honda colors last year.
The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the few weekends without a sprint race early in the season. China hosted the first sprint race, and short Saturday races are scheduled for Miami and Canada after the April break. However, Suzuka will feature the traditional second and third free practice sessions. VT2 is scheduled to begin at 07:00 local time, and the final practice session will take place on Saturday at 03:30 local time.
Daylight Saving Time Reminder
Qualifying is set to begin at 07:00 local time, completing a relatively sparse race day schedule. The Formula 2 and Formula 3 series will not be traveling to the Far East, and the F1 Academy will not return to action until Miami. Aside from Formula 1, fans will be able to enjoy the Porsche Carrera Cup Japan and the Ferrari Challenge Japan.
The Grand Prix on Sunday, consisting of 53 laps, will determine the points standings. Dutch fans, in particular, should remember that daylight saving time begins on Sunday, reducing the time difference with Japan by one hour. The race is scheduled to start at 07:00 local time, with Verstappen aiming for a better result than he achieved in the first two races of the season.
Verstappen’s Dominance at Suzuka
Verstappen has consistently performed exceptionally well at the Japanese circuit. The last time a driver other than Verstappen won at Suzuka was in 2019, when he was involved in a collision with Charles Leclerc on the opening lap. The 2020 and 2021 races were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and since then, the Dutch driver has been unbeatable. He secured the world championship after a shortened rain race in 2022 and continued his dominance in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Verstappen on his way to pole position in 2025.
Last year, Verstappen surprised a dominant McLaren after a poor Friday performance. He will be hoping for a similar turnaround this year as he aims for his first podium finish of the season. While that may seem unlikely based on his performance in China, Isack Hadjar managed a strong third-place start in Melbourne. Should Verstappen win, he would equal a record held by Ayrton Senna (Monaco) and Lewis Hamilton (Spain) of five consecutive victories at the same circuit.
Verstappen has already achieved three instances of winning four consecutive races at the same circuit. He was dominant in Abu Dhabi from 2020 to 2023 and remains undefeated at Imola since 2021. However, the Italian circuit is no longer on the calendar. Verstappen has also won four consecutive races in Japan. Only Senna, Hamilton, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, and Michael Schumacher have managed to win at least four races in a row at the same circuit.
Japanese Grand Prix 2026: Schedule (Local Times)
| Session | Day | Local Time |
| First Free Practice | Friday, March 27 | 03:30 – 04:30 |
| Second Free Practice | Friday, March 27 | 07:00 – 08:00 |
| Third Free Practice | Saturday, March 28 | 03:30 – 04:30 |
| Qualifying | Saturday, March 28 | 07:00 – 08:00 |
| Grand Prix (53 laps) | Sunday, March 29 | 07:00 – 09:00 |
The Japanese Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling event, with Antonelli looking to challenge for the championship lead and Verstappen aiming to extend his remarkable winning streak at Suzuka. The race will undoubtedly be a key moment in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The next stop on the Formula 1 calendar will be after a four-week break, with the Miami Grand Prix scheduled for May. Keep checking Archysport for the latest updates and analysis as the championship battle intensifies.
What are your predictions for the Japanese Grand Prix? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
