The Japanese Grand Prix Watchlist

Five key things to know as we get set for the Japanese Grand Prix

Published

25 MAR 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

Formula 1’s early-season flyaway run continues as we arrive at one of the sport’s most iconic venues – Suzuka.

A firm favourite among drivers and fans alike, the Japanese Grand Prix delivers a unique blend of technical challenge, history and atmosphere in equal measure.

As we get set for round three of the 2026 season, here are five key things to watch this weekend.

A Championship-defining venue

Few circuits are as closely tied to title glory as Suzuka.

The track has played host to some of the most decisive moments in Formula 1 history – and in 2026, it marks 30 years since Damon Hill secured his World Championship here.

Now a Team Ambassador for Atlassian Williams F1 Team, Damon’s 1996 triumph remains one of the most iconic moments in our history.

Suzuka has a habit of delivering drama when it matters most – click here to read more of our Suzuka Memories.

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Earlier than you think

Traditionally, the Japanese Grand Prix has been a late-season fixture, often arriving in September or October as championships reached their climax.

But since 2024, the calendar has shifted and so has Suzuka’s placement.

With Formula 1 focusing more on regional grouping, Suzuka now appears much earlier in the season – and with this year’s running in March, it’s officially the earliest-ever Japanese GP.

Visiting in March means which catch Sakura season in Japan

A time before Suzuka

Japan boasts one of the richest Formula 1 histories outside of Europe, and for many years hosted the only World Championship race in Asia.

But Suzuka wasn’t the original home of the Japanese Grand Prix.

That honour belongs to Fuji Speedway, which first hosted F1 in 1976 – a race won by Mario Andretti – before returning in 1977 and then again briefly in 2007 and 2008.

Japan also welcomed the grid to Okayama International Circuit (then known as Aida) in 1994 and 1995 for the Pacific Grand Prix.

Suzuka has been the permanent home of the Japanese Grand Prix since 1987, and it’s fair to say it’s earned that status.

All three of our Japanese Grand Prix victories have come at Suzuka – Riccardo Patrese in 1992, and Damon Hill in 1994 and 1996.

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(Almost) One of a kind

You can’t talk about Suzuka without mentioning its iconic layout.

The Suzuka Circuit is the only figure-of-eight track on the Formula 1 calendar, with cars crossing over one another via a bridge at the exit of Degner 2.

It’s a rare sight in modern motorsport, and one that adds to the circuit’s unmistakable character.

However, while Suzuka is the only F1 track that boasts a figure-of-eight design, the Abu Dhabi pit lane exit also sees a crossover point as cars head underneath the Turn 1 entry to emerge on track at Turn 3.

The iconic Circuit Wheel towers over the start-finish straight at Suzuka

Built for speed

Suzuka may be synonymous with Formula 1 today, but it wasn’t originally designed for Grand Prix racing.

The circuit was commissioned by Soichiro Honda as a test track for Honda, aimed at developing both machinery and driver performance.

Its roots lie in two wheels rather than four, with top-level motorcycle racing arriving before Formula 1 ever turned a lap here.

That DNA still shines through today – fast, flowing corners like the Esses demand rhythm and precision, while the technical sections punish even the smallest mistakes.

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