Round three of the 2026 Formula 1 season heads to the legendary Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix. The figure-of-eight layout tests driver skill and car performance through famous sequences like the Esses, the Degners, Spoon and 130R.
Mercedes arrive after one-two finishes in the opening two rounds and will target a third successive win. Kimi Antonelli, F1’s newest race winner after victory in China, will look to build momentum against championship-leading team-mate George Russell. Ferrari are likely the closest threat after finishing third and fourth in the season so far, still seeking their first win since 2024 and a first at Suzuka since 2004. Max Verstappen has been strong at Suzuka since 2022, but Red Bull have been off the early-season pace, while McLaren will hope to recover from a double DNS in Shanghai.
With Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds cancelled in April, the Japanese Grand Prix will provide the final F1 action for five weeks — follow live coverage on Sky Sports F1.
Suzuka Circuit
Suzuka is a 3.6-mile, figure-of-eight track owned by Honda and on the F1 calendar in all but four seasons since 1987. Long associated with title-deciding races, Suzuka now sits in an April slot (since 2024) and coincides with Japan’s cherry blossom season.
Weather forecast
Rain often affects Suzuka weekends, but current forecasts show no wet weather. Expect cool conditions with daytime temperatures in the high teens across the three days.
Japanese GP 2026 dates, UK start times and Sky Sports F1 live schedule
Thursday March 26
– 4am: Drivers’ Press Conference
– 7am: Paddock Uncut
Friday March 27
– 2am: Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 2.30am)*
– 4.30am: Team Bosses’ Press Conference
– 5.45am: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 6am)*
– 7.15am: The F1 Show*
Saturday March 28
– 2.15am: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts 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 reaction – Chequered Flag*
– 9am: Ted’s Notebook*
*Also live on Sky Sports Main Event
How to watch or stream the Japanese GP in the UK and Ireland
Got Sky?
– TV: Sky customers can watch on Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday morning through the race on Sunday, March 29 at 6am.
– App: Sky customers can also watch via the Sky Sports app, including driver onboard feeds.
Not got Sky?
– Stream: Non-Sky customers can stream the action with a NOW Day or cancel-anytime Month pass.
– Live blog: Follow the weekend via the dedicated F1 live blog for text updates.
– Free highlights: Watch F1 highlights shortly after the chequered flag on the Sky Sports app.
How to watch the Japanese GP with the Sky Sports app
1. Download or open the Sky Sports app.
2. Head to the ‘Watch’ section from 4.30am for build-up ahead of lights out at 6am on race day.
3. Tap Sky Sports F1 or Sky Sports Main Event.
4. Sign in with your Sky iD (one-time sign-in).
What is NOW?
NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, Sky Sports+ streams and more across 60+ devices. It offers contract-free membership with Day or Month passes and the option to cancel anytime.
Summary
Formula 1 visits iconic Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW if you don’t have a Sky subscription.