Suzuka Track Preview
- therookiereporters
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Round 3 of the 2026 Formula One season is heading to the land of the cherry blossom season. The series will be racing at a fan favourite track for its unique layout - Suzuka! Before the engines fire up, here’s what you should know for this weekend.
Track Facts
Suzuka’s first Grand Prix came nearly 40 years ago in 1987. Its high speed and downforce create great racing across the 53 laps or 307.471km of tarmac, with speeds exceeding 300km/h - it’s a thrill to watch. In 2025, we had rookie driver Kimi Antonelli set the fastest lap around our figure-eight layout with a 1:30.965s across 5.807km that makes up one lap.
2025 Recap
Last year saw Max Verstappen take gold by over a second, converting his pole position and was joined by the McLaren duo on the podium. Lando finished 2nd out of the McLarens, meaning he just held onto the championship lead by 1 point. The race was filled with action as on lap 22, Max and Lando made their pit stops at the same time, with the pair exiting side-by-side until the Dutchman forced Norris onto the grass - the incident being noted, but no further action came from the review.
History was made at Suzuka as not only did Kimi Antonelli become the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix (while setting the fastest lap), but also Yuki Tsunoda made his debut with Red Bull after replacing Liam Lawson and was awarded driver of the day. To add to the 2025 Rookies’ success were Isack Hadjar and Oliver Bearman, with the pair finishing in the points together (8th and 10th).
Weekend schedule (track time)
Free Practice 1:
Friday 27th March 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Free Practice 2:
Friday 27th March 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Free Practice 3:
Saturday 28th March 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Qualifying:
Saturday 28th March 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Grand Prix:
Sunday 29th March 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
2026 Expectations
With Mercedes dominating our first two weekends, it is likely to see them repeat their efforts in Suzuka, but Ferrari is not far behind them, being very similar in performance to the Brackley-based team. Both teams are the favourites for this year's World Constructors Championship, so we will certainly see some more on-track battles in Japan between the teams. After our reigning team - McLaren - had a poor start to their season with a double DNS in Shanghai, they will be looking to diminish their power unit problems and get back on the grid. Similarly, Aston Martin will be hoping to have a better race as they have not finished a Grand Prix due to major safety concerns over the engine and battery vibrations. Alpine will be hoping for back-to-back double points finishes with the team having better performance compared to the 2025 season. The scene is set, but how do you think it will play out in Suzuka?
Article written by Alice Seager ©️Alice Seager 2026
