Round 3 of 22 · Japanese Grand Prix

Japanese Grand Prix

2:00 PM GMT+9 · Suzuka · Suzuka

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Suzuka

Suzuka, Japan · Asia/Tokyo

Suzuka Circuit is a 5.807 km (3.608 miles) figure-eight circuit in Mie Prefecture, with 18 corners across a 53-lap race distance of 307.471 km. Originally designed by John Hugenholtz in 1962 as a Honda test facility, Suzuka joined the F1 calendar in 1987 and is the only track where the circuit crosses over itself via an overpass. Kimi Antonelli holds the lap record at 1:30.965, set in 2025.

The first sector is one of the purest tests of car and driver in motorsport. The Esses, a rapid sequence of direction changes from Turns 3 through 7, are taken almost flat out and punish any imprecision ruthlessly. Degner 1 and Degner 2 lead into the back section, where the hairpin at Turn 11 provides the primary overtaking zone under DRS. Then comes 130R, a high-speed left-hander taken at over 300 km/h that demands total commitment. The Casio Triangle chicane before the start-finish line is a secondary passing point but also a common site for errors.

Suzuka has hosted more championship-deciding moments than almost any other track. Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost’s infamous collision at the chicane on 22 October 1989 handed Prost the title. They collided again at Turn 1 on 21 October 1990, this time giving Senna the championship. On 9 October 2011, Jenson Button won the Japanese Grand Prix. Max Verstappen clinched his second world title here on 9 October 2022 in chaotic wet conditions. The circuit amplifies drama.

Suzuka operates in the Asia/Tokyo timezone at JST (UTC+9). A 14:00 local start translates to 05:00 GMT and 06:00 CET. European fans face an early-morning alarm, while North American viewers get a Saturday evening race at 21:00 PST the previous day. For fans across Southeast Asia and Oceania, the timing is ideal. Check Japan time and Tokyo time for conversions.

Late March in Suzuka can bring variable weather, with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius. Cherry blossom season often overlaps with the Grand Prix weekend, adding a uniquely Japanese backdrop. Japanese fans are among the most knowledgeable and passionate in the world, arriving early with hand-painted banners and showing genuine appreciation for every team and driver. The atmosphere at the hairpin grandstands is unlike anything else on the calendar.

See the full race schedule and session times at the Japanese Grand Prix page.

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit took place on Sunday 29 March, lights out at 14:00 JST (UTC+9). The 5.807 km lap ran 53 times for a race distance of 307.77 km.

It was not a sprint weekend. Practice, qualifying, and the race ran across the standard three-day format.

The Suzuka Circuit, built in 1962 by Honda as a test track, has a figure-eight layout where the track crosses over itself via an overpass, making it unique in motorsport. The opening sequence through Turn 1, the Esses, Dunlop, and Degner is as demanding as anything on the calendar. The 130R corner, a flat-out left-hander taken at over 300 km/h, remains one of the purest tests of aerodynamic confidence in Formula 1.

Suzuka has decided World Championships more dramatically than almost any other venue. Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost collided here in both 1989 and 1990, with the title on the line each time. Michael Schumacher clinched his first Ferrari championship at Suzuka in 2000. Sebastian Vettel clinched his 2011 World Championship here, one of several titles decided at this circuit. Max Verstappen wrapped up his 2022 championship at this circuit, continuing its tradition as the place where greatness is confirmed.

When did the Japanese Grand Prix start? Lights out at 14:00 JST on March 29 translated to 05:00 GMT and 06:00 CET, requiring an early alarm but rewarding the dedication. North American fans faced a late Saturday night, with the start at 01:00 Eastern and 22:00 Saturday Pacific. Australian viewers had a comfortable 16:00 AEDT slot. Japanese fans watched at the local 14:00 JST. Other Asian audiences tuned in at 13:00 CST and 13:00 SGT. Check Japan time for the exact start in your location.

Three races into the 2026 season, Suzuka was the first true examination of who had built a car that worked everywhere. The Suzuka chicane, the tight corner complex before the start/finish straight, has settled championships and broken hearts. Under the 2026 regulations, with active aero and new ground-effect philosophies, the sensation through 130R and the high-speed Esses was one of the first things drivers discussed all weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time did the Japanese Grand Prix start?

The Japanese Grand Prix started at 14:00 local time in Suzuka on 2026-03-29. This page shows the start time converted to your local timezone.

Where is the Japanese Grand Prix held?

The Japanese Grand Prix takes place at Suzuka in Suzuka, Japan.

Was the Japanese Grand Prix a sprint weekend?

No, the Japanese Grand Prix ran the standard weekend format with practice, qualifying, and the race.