As Formula 1 gears up for the Japanese Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka circuit, there`s a heightened buzz around Red Bull`s promotion of Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda just in time for his home race.

Tsunoda acknowledged the immense pressure in a recent interview, stating, “It couldn`t be a more intense situation… I anticipate this will be the most pressure I`ve ever faced in my career.” He emphasized the need for rapid adaptation to perform well at Suzuka.

While Tsunoda`s performance with Red Bull and Liam Lawson`s debut with Racing Bulls are key storylines, McLaren is aiming for a third consecutive victory. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen seeks to celebrate Red Bull`s partnership with Honda, concluding in 2025, with a fourth straight win, potentially in a special Honda-themed livery.

Weather forecasts predict mild and sunny conditions for Friday with temperatures around 15°C, cloudiness on Saturday, and rain showers expected on Sunday with temperatures up to 19°C.

Latest News

  • Red Bull is set to race in a special white livery at the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend as a tribute to their engine partner, Honda.
  • Reports suggest Verstappen is unhappy with the driver swap, replacing Lawson with Tsunoda, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. Verstappen reportedly supported Lawson by liking a social media post criticizing the team`s decision.
  • Sergio Pérez has voiced his support for Tsunoda, believing the Japanese driver possesses the right mindset to be Verstappen`s teammate at Red Bull.
  • Thai driver Alex Albon has met with Thailand`s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatraas, as part of ongoing efforts to secure a place for Thailand on the Formula 1 calendar.
  • Catch the latest race preview and episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast, Unlapped, with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, live from Suzuka.

Circuit Stats and History

Suzuka joined the F1 calendar in 1987 and has since hosted nearly every Japanese Grand Prix, becoming a favorite among drivers and fans for its unique and challenging layout.

Before Suzuka, the Japanese Grand Prix was held at Fuji Speedway in 1976 and 1977, and again for another two-year stint during McLaren`s period of dominance in 2007 and 2008.

The Japanese Grand Prix, traditionally held in October, was moved to spring in 2024 to align with F1`s sustainability initiatives to group races geographically. The April race coincides with Japan`s cherry blossom season (sakura), inspiring teams to design special liveries.

Japanese Flag

Japanese Grand Prix

Suzuka Circuit Map

First Race: 1987

Laps: 53 laps, 5.8km per lap. Total race distance: 307.4km

Lap Record: 1:30.983 (Lewis Hamilton, 2019)

Most Wins: Michael Schumacher (6 wins: 1995, 1997, 2000-2002, 2004). Among current drivers, Lewis Hamilton has 5 wins, Max Verstappen has 3, and Fernando Alonso has 2.

Most Poles: Michael Schumacher (8 poles: 1994-1995, 1998-2002, 2004). Among current drivers, Lewis Hamilton has 4 poles, and Max Verstappen has 3.

What Makes it Special: Suzuka is the only figure-eight circuit in F1, featuring iconic corners like the Esses, 130R, and the Degners. Japanese fans are renowned for their enthusiasm and dedication, often displaying elaborate costumes and staying late to observe garage activity.

Driver`s Perspective: Fernando Alonso describes Suzuka as “great because it`s very demanding, and perfect for Formula 1 cars. You can fully utilize the cars` potential and aerodynamic performance, which matches the corners perfectly.”

Best Spectator Spots: Turns 1, 2, and 3. The challenging sequence of Turn 1, a long right-hander, transitioning into Turn 2 and then Turn 3, is unique to the F1 calendar. New grandstands at Turn 1 offer excellent views for witnessing the crucial opening lap battles.

What Happened Last Year?

In 2024, Red Bull secured a one-two finish, with Verstappen winning from pole position for the third consecutive time at the Japanese Grand Prix. He finished ahead of teammate Perez and Carlos Sainz in third.

The race was temporarily halted due to a crash involving Daniel Ricciardo and Albon, but it did not impact Verstappen`s dominant lead.

Race Predictions

Following two wins in the first two races of the season, McLaren is considered the team to beat heading into the Japanese Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri, after his victory in China, is currently in top form, and predictions favor him to further close the points gap to teammate Lando Norris by securing another win at Suzuka.

Race Weekend Schedule (British Summer Time)

Friday

Free practice one: 03:30-04:30 BST

Free practice two: 07:00-08:00 BST

Saturday

Free practice three: 03:30-04:30 BST

Qualifying: 07:00-08:00 BST

Sunday

Race start: 06:00 BST

Championship Standings Overview

The championship is tightly contested after the initial two races, with significant changes anticipated over the remaining 22 races.

Lando Norris currently leads the drivers` championship with 44 points, followed by Max Verstappen, eight points behind. George Russell of Mercedes is just one point behind Verstappen, increasing pressure on Verstappen to maintain Red Bull`s competitiveness as Tsunoda integrates into the team.

In the constructors` championship, McLaren, the reigning world champions, lead Mercedes with 78 points and remain the only team to have won races this season.