2026 Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka Circuit is one of the most beloved circuits among Formula 1 drivers because it truly showcases their driving skills. The Japanese Grand Prix venue 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 its high-speed sections, make the 5.807-kilometer Japanese track one of the toughest of the year on tires.
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 was therefore expected to be smooth and still somewhat dirty, offering relatively low grip.
In these conditions, it was 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 thanks to track evolution.
STATISTICS
The 2026 edition was the 40th Japanese Grand Prix. The first edition was held in 1976 at Fuji Speedway, 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 in Japan with nine victories, followed by Red Bull Racing with eight.
Suzuka holds the distinction of being the only circuit on the Formula 1 calendar laid out in a figure-of-eight configuration.
No Grand Prix or circuit has seen more Formula 1 world champions crowned than Japan (13) and Suzuka (12). The 1976 season was decided at Fuji.
The 1994 Japanese Grand Prix remains the last occasion on which a race was decided using aggregate times after being split into two parts due to a red flag.
FRIDAY
The first free practice session took place under beautiful weather conditions, with track temperatures eventually reaching around 100°F (38°C) under the sun. All three compounds (C1, C2, and C3) were used throughout the session. Ultimately, George Russell was the fastest with a 1:31.666, approximately 3.1 seconds slower than the quickest lap from Friday morning in 2025.
The second free practice session again took place in lovely weather, with sunshine and air temperatures rising to around 72°F (22°C). Much like the first session, track temperature peaked at around 100°F (38°C). Once again, all three compounds were in use. This time, however, it was Oscar Piastri who set the fastest lap with a 1:30.133 on the soft tires. Finishing closely behind him were the Mercedes duo, with Kimi Antonelli second and George Russell third.
SATURDAY
The third free practice session was dominated by Mercedes, with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell finishing first and second. They were followed at a significant distance by Charles Leclerc in third.
In Q3, Antonelli struck immediately on his first run, posting a 1:28.778 that no one was able to beat. The Italian did not improve on his second attempt, a fate also shared by his teammate George Russell. Charles Leclerc was the only driver in the top five to improve during the second Q3 runs. The Monegasque qualified fourth, just behind Oscar Piastri.
Barely two weeks after his maiden Grand Prix victory in China, Kimi Antonelli secured pole position in Japan. George Russell ensured Mercedes would lock out the front row by qualifying second. Behind the Mercedes pair, Oscar Piastri set the third-fastest time. That placed Leclerc between the two McLarens on Sunday’s grid, with Lando Norris taking fifth.
This marked Antonelli’s second consecutive pole position, following the previous Grand Prix in China, where he became the youngest pole-sitter in Formula 1 history. For Mercedes, it was the third consecutive race of the season in which both drivers qualified on the front row.
The last three drivers to take their first and second pole positions in back-to-back Grands Prix were Lewis Hamilton (2007), Michael Schumacher (1994), and Ayrton Senna (1985).
SUNDAY
Despite a poor getaway at the start that saw him lose several places, Kimi Antonelli fought his way back into contention, making the most of a perfectly timed pit stop under the Safety Car. Oscar Piastri finished second, while Charles Leclerc secured third.
As in the previous two rounds, the third race of the season saw significant reshuffling through the field after the lights went out. While Antonelli struggled off the line, Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc both made excellent starts. That allowed Piastri to take the lead immediately, a position the McLaren driver held until his scheduled pit stop.
Although Piastri’s stop was clean, a Safety Car was deployed just a few laps later, playing perfectly into Antonelli’s hands. Having not yet pitted, the young Italian capitalized on the situation to inherit the lead, a position he would not relinquish for the remainder of the afternoon. Clearly the fastest driver on track, Antonelli quickly built a gap to the chasing pack after the restart.
Behind him, Piastri, Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Leclerc were locked in a superb battle for the remaining podium places. Hamilton also made the most of the Safety Car, mirroring Antonelli’s strategy by diving into the pits at exactly the right moment.
Piastri eventually emerged at the head of that group to secure second place. Behind the McLaren driver, Leclerc ultimately claimed third. The Monegasque came out on top after a brilliant wheel-to-wheel battle with George Russell, who had to settle for fourth at Suzuka.
At 19 years and 216 days old, Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lead the Formula 1 World Championship. He also became the first Italian driver since Alberto Ascari in 1953 to win back-to-back Grands Prix.
Excerpts and media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A. and the official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are provided via Getty Images through the respective team media platforms and are credited to their rightful copyright holders. Used for editorial purposes only. Not for sale.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
RESULT – 2026 Japanese Grand Prix – Top Ten
Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka
| Pos | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 2 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 6 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 7 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 8 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 9 | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
