Japanese GP 2026 dates, schedule, weather, UK start time and how to watch or stream Suzuka race weekend on Sky Sports | F1 News
Round three of the 2026 Formula 1 season takes the game to considered one of its most legendary and revered circuits – Suzuka – for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Whatever the regulation period, the talent of a driver and the efficiency of a automobile are put to the check across the acrobatic figure-of-eight Suzuka format which options among the most well-known nook sequences in F1.
After one-two finishes in every of the season’s first two grands prix, Mercedes shall be aiming for his or her third successive win with Kimi Antonelli, F1’s latest race winner after an achieved victory in China, trying to see if he can construct in-house momentum towards championship-leading team-mate George Russell.
Ferrari will once more doubtless be the closest menace to the Silver Arrows as they bid to enhance on their three-four finishes in Australia and China in quest of their first Grand Prix win since 2024 – and a primary at Suzuka for the reason that golden days of Michael Schumacher in 2004.
Max Verstappen is undefeated round Suzuka in each qualifying and the race since F1 returned to Japan after the Covid pandemic in 2022, however the Red Bull driver can have his work lower out to get wherever close to that time with Red Bull off the tempo thus far in F1’s new season.
The similar efficiency hole applies to world champions McLaren, who will first be eager to simply make the race start at Suzuka after their disastrous double DNS in Shanghai.
With the Japanese Grand Prix now serving as the ultimate F1 motion for 5 weeks following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds in April, be sure you comply with all of the reside motion on Sky Sports F1.
Japanese GP track – Suzuka Circuit
Ask a Formula 1 driver to title their favourite circuit and there is a good likelihood their reply shall be Suzuka.
The figure-of-eight 3.6-mile monitor options an array of well-known quick corners identified by names such because the Esses, the Degners, Spoon and 130R, which all mix to create considered one of motorsport’s most difficult layouts for drivers and their automobiles.
On the F1 calendar in all however 4 seasons since its 1987 debut, Honda-owned Suzuka’s authentic place on the tail finish of the calendar means it’s related to among the sport’s most well-known title-deciding races together with Ayrton Senna vs Alain Prost – twice.
Occupying an earlier April slot since 2024, the F1 fraternity now visits throughout Japan’s well-known and picturesque cherry blossom season.
Japanese GP climate forecast in Suzuka
Rain is usually an element through the Japanese Grand Prix weekend however there isn’t any moist climate on the present forecast for Suzuka.
It shall be cool although, with temperatures within the excessive teenagers all through the three days of motion.
Japanese GP 2026 dates, UK start time and Sky Sports F1’s reside schedule
Thursday March 26
4am: Drivers’ Press Conference
7am: Paddock Uncut
Friday March 27
2am: Japanese GP Practice One (session begins at 2.30am)*
4.30am: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
5.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session begins at 6am)*
7.15am: The F1 Show*
Saturday March 28
2.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session begins at 2.30am)*
5am: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
6am: JAPANESE GP QUALIFYING*
8am: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday March 29
4.30am: Japanese GP build-up – Grand Prix Sunday*
6am: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
8am: Japanese GP response – Checkered Flag*
9am: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also reside on Sky Sports Main Event
How to watch or stream the Chinese Grand Prix within the UK and Ireland
Got Sky?
TV: Sky Customers can watch on Sky Sports F1 from the primary follow session on Friday morning to the Japanese Grand Prix itself on Sunday, March 29 at 6am
App: Sky Customers also can watch on the Sky Sports app – with the choice to go onboard with any driver!
Not obtained Sky?
Stream: Non Sky Customers can stream the action with a NOW Day or a cancel-anytime Month pass
Liveblog: Anyone on the transfer can comply with reside protection of the race weekend by way of our dedicated F1 blog
FREE Highlights: Watch F1 highlights shortly after the checked flag on the Sky Sports app
How to watch the Japanese GP with the Sky Sports app
Sky Sports Subscribers can:
- Download or open the Sky Sports app
- Head to the ‘Watch’ part at 4.30am for build-up, forward of lights out at 6am on race day
- Tap on the Sky Sports F1 or Sky Sports Main Event channel
- Sign in together with your Sky iD (*you may solely want to do that as soon as)
*Sky iD help: How to find or create your Sky iD
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It’s an app, so prospects can join and stream immediately throughout over 60 devices. It provides contract-free membership choices, so prospects can cancel anytime!
You can select between a Month or Day Membership. See the latest NOW membership prices.
More information about NOW can be found here.
Formula 1 subsequent heads to the enduring Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29 reside on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
