The Strategist’s picks for Pit Wall Predictions: Japanese GP

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Published

28 MAR 2026

Est. reading time

2 min

We’re back at Suzuka for Round 3 of the 2026 season, and with clear conditions once again expected, the focus shifts firmly onto strategy, tyre management and execution around one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.

Both cars will be looking to fight forward from the midfield pack, with Carlos starting P16 and Alex P17. Suzuka isn’t always the easiest place to overtake, so getting the strategy right – and making the most of any opportunities – will be key.

The Strategist – our top-secret Pit Wall Predictions guru – has weighed up the data, trends and recent form… here’s how they see Sunday playing out.

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The Strategist’s picks – Japanese GP

Q1: On which lap will Alex make his first stop?

Lap 21-30. Alex stopped on Lap 24 here last year, and with tyre life expected to be a key factor, a similar window looks likely.

Q2: On which lap will Carlos make his first stop?

Lap 21-30. Carlos ran longer in 2025, but The Strategist expects both cars to converge on a similar strategy this time around.

Q3: Which Williams driver will pit first?

Carlos. He’s been our first into the pit lane consistently, and that trend is backed to continue at Suzuka.

Q4: How many full Safety Car periods will there be?

0. Suzuka has seen relatively clean races in recent years, and The Strategist is backing another uninterrupted Grand Prix.

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Q5: What will Alex’s longest stint on the same set of tyres be?

21-30 laps. Last year’s data points to a stint in this range, especially with tyre wear balancing against track position.

Q6: What will Carlos’ longest stint on the same set of tyres be?

21-30 laps. Carlos managed a longer opening run in 2025, but a more conventional approach is being called by The Strategist this weekend.

Q7: When the first Williams driver pits, what position will they pit from?

P13-P18. Starting from the back half of the grid, The Strategist expects our first stop to come from within this bracket.

Q8: Where will the leading Williams driver finish the race?

P7-P12. With clean conditions and limited interruptions, this one may come down to picking up places through attrition and executing a solid race – potentially leaving us in the battle for the final points-paying positions.

Lock in your picks for Suzuka and see if you can outscore The Strategist in the thir round of 2026.