2026 Japanese Grand Prix: Fast Facts

Suzuka is one of the most beloved circuits among Formula 1 drivers because it truly showcases their driving skills. The Japanese Grand Prix track is also one of the most demanding on the calendar, with its eighteen corners, several of them iconic in the sport’s history, and its distinctive figure-of-eight layout.

The forces and loads generated by the continuous changes of direction, combined with high-speed sections, make the 5.807-kilometre Suzuka International Racing Course one of the toughest for tyres. The compounds selected are therefore the three hardest in the range: C1 for the Hard, C2 for the Mediums and C3 for the Soft. This means the hardest option, C1, will make its debut in Suzuka, having not been chosen for the first two race weekends of the season.

The Honda-owned circuit was resurfaced ahead of the 2025 event, from the exit of the first chicane to the end of the first sector. This year, the work continued with the substantial completion of the remaining two sectors up to Turn 17. The asphalt is therefore expected to be smooth and still dirty, offering relatively low grip.

In these conditions, it is normal to expect some graining, particularly with the softest compound. Last year, its appearance, limited to the front axle, progressively diminished after the opening day due to track evolution.

However, the wider extent of the new asphalt surface, which has similar characteristics to those of the first sector, could require closer monitoring of the phenomenon this year and of its impact on degradation. By Friday, we will already have a clearer idea of what the teams can expect over the weekend.

It will be particularly interesting to observe the behaviour of both the hardest and the softest compounds in the selection. Should the C1 offer good grip levels and the C3 prove as consistent as it did in Shanghai, all three options could play a significant role in shaping the race strategies.

Temperature will also be a key factor. The Japanese Grand Prix is held one week earlier than last year, when ambient temperatures had already settled around 15°C.

If there are no significant increases, thermal degradation will remain contained. The possibility of completing the race with a single stop could therefore depend on the actual extent of the graining and its consequent influence on performance. Certainly, the teams will need to pay close attention to qualifying preparation, when it will be essential to bring the tyres up to the correct temperature.

Japan By The Numbers

The upcoming race will be the fortieth Japanese Grand Prix. The first edition was held in 1976 at Fuji, which has hosted four races in total. All other events have taken place at Suzuka. Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver in Japan with six wins, one more than Lewis Hamilton. McLaren leads the constructors’ standings with nine victories, followed by Red Bull with eight.

The fastest strategic option in Suzuka last year, and the one chosen by most drivers, was a one‑stop. Fifteen cars at the front of the grid started on the Medium compound, while a couple at the back opted for the Soft and another couple for the Hard. In the second stint the latter became the star of the show. The low temperatures enabled very long stints with both of the harder compounds without any significant lap‑time drop‑off. The three drivers who finished on the podium all swapped the Medium for the Hard around lap twenty, and completed the race on that compound all the way to the chequered flag.

How to Watch the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix

Formula 1 fans around the globe can catch all the action from the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix through various broadcasters and streaming services.

In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with comprehensive coverage of the practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself.

For fans in the United States, the Japanese Grand Prix will be available through Apple TV. Apple TV is the new U.S. home of Formula 1 in 2026. With Apple TV, you also get access to hundreds of Apple Original shows and movies, live MLB games, and all of MLS, at no additional cost.

Viewers in Australia can tune in to watch the Grand Prix weekend unfold live on Fox Sports, which offers complete coverage of F1 races. For online streaming, fans can subscribe to Kayo Sports, a streaming platform that includes all Fox Sports content.

This subscription service provides access to onboard cameras, team radios, live timing, and more, for an immersive viewing experience.

Remember to check the local listings and services for the most up-to-date information regarding broadcast times and availability in your region.

Japanese Grand Prix Fast Facts

• Suzuka holds the distinction of being the only circuit F1 races at that is laid out in a figure-of-eight configuration.
• 2026 will be the 40th edition of the Japanese Grand Prix.
• No Grand Prix or track has seen more F1 world champions crowned than Japan (13) and Suzuka (12). The 1976 season was settled at Fuji.
• The 1994 Japanese Grand Prix remains the last occasion a race was decided using aggregate times after the race was split into two parts due to a red flag.
• All six of Mercedes’ wins in Japan came in consecutive seasons between 2014 and 2019.
• Mercedes clinched a record-equalling sixth consecutive Constructors’ title at Suzuka in 2019.
• In 2025, Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver to set a Grand Prix fastest lap in history by setting the quickest race tour in Suzuka.
• In the same race, Antonelli also became the youngest in Grand Prix history to lead a lap, holding P1 for 10 of the 53 laps.
• Oracle Red Bull Racing are the most successful constructor in Suzuka history, having taken eight wins at this circuit.
• Max Verstappen became the first driver ever to win four consecutive Japanese Grand Prix races in 2025.
• Isack Hadjar scored his first-ever F1 points when he finished eighth in the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, his second career start.

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