The 2026 Formula 1 season continues this weekend with the third round of the campaign, as teams and drivers head to Japan for the iconic Japanese Grand Prix at the legendary Suzuka Circuit. Renowned for its fast, flowing layout and technical demands, Suzuka remains one of the most respected tracks on the calendar and is expected to deliver another exciting race.
Mercedes arrive in strong form after securing victories in the opening two rounds of the season. The team has made a perfect start to 2026 and will be aiming to extend that winning streak to three races. Another victory in Japan would further solidify their early dominance and strengthen their position in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Meanwhile, McLaren head into the weekend looking to bounce back from a difficult outing in China. The team endured a frustrating double Did Not Start (DNS) in Shanghai, halting their momentum and costing them valuable points. Suzuka offers an immediate chance for recovery, and they will be determined to return to contention.
Unlike the previous round, which featured a sprint format, the Japanese Grand Prix returns to the traditional race weekend structure. This includes three practice sessions, giving teams more time to fine-tune their cars and adapt to Suzuka’s unique challenges.
Track action begins on Friday, March 27, with the first free practice session at 02:30 GMT, followed by the second session at 06:00 GMT. These sessions are vital for teams to gather data and prepare their setups. On Saturday, March 28, the final practice session takes place at 02:00 GMT, before qualifying later that morning at 06:00 GMT. With overtaking often difficult at Suzuka, a strong qualifying result will be crucial.
The race itself is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, starting at 06:00 BST. Drivers will complete 53 laps around the circuit, battling for victory in what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.
With Mercedes chasing a third straight win and McLaren eager to respond after their setback, the Japanese Grand Prix promises to play a key role in shaping the early stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season.