Formula 1 is set for round three of its 2026 campaign this weekend with the Japanese Grand Prix, where Mercedes arrives with a perfect record to defend.
The Silver Arrows has nailed the significant switch to this year’s cars, having finished 1-2 in both the Australian and Chinese grands prix, plus a win in the Shanghai sprint.
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It has resisted any challengers from nearest rival Ferrari, while on the opposite end of the grid, Aston Martin and Cadillac are battling to avoid the wooden spoon being the only two teams without a point.
The next development will come at Suzuka this weekend, which will be the final race before Miami in May as a result of the cancellations of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain grands prix due to the Middle Eastern conflict.
Here is all you need to know to follow the action from Japan.
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Where can I watch the F1 Japanese GP?
Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the Japanese GP in the usual place for F1, as Sky Sports has entered its 14th year of broadcasting the championship. It is showing every session of the 2026 campaign, meaning the track action can also be streamed via the Sky Go app or NOW TV. Fans are able to watch the action on freeview as well though, as Channel 4 broadcasts highlights of both qualifying and the race.
Start action
Start action
There was change for 2026 over in the United States though, as Apple TV took over from ESPN as F1’s exclusive broadcaster in the US as part of a five-year deal for the tech giant, worth approximately $140m each year
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How can I follow the F1 Japanese GP live?
Live coverage of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix is available via Motorsport.com with commentary of every session from FP1 to Sunday’s race.
F1 Japanese GP schedule
FP1
Your time
Mar 27 Â 11:30
FP1
Mar 27 Â 11:30
FP2
Your time
Mar 27 Â 15:00
FP2
Mar 27 Â 15:00
FP3
Your time
Mar 28 Â 11:30
FP3
Mar 28 Â 11:30
Qualifying
Your time
Mar 28 Â 15:00
QU
Mar 28 Â 15:00
Race
Your time
Mar 29 Â 14:00
Race
Mar 29 Â 14:00
What is the weather forecast for the F1 Japanese GP?The Suzuka Circuit entrance
The Suzuka Circuit entrance
Friday 27 March: Free Practice 1 and 2
This weekend’s action is expected to occur in dry and rather sunny conditions with a next-to-zero percent chance of rain on Friday. For the start of opening practice at 11:30 local time, air temperature is expected to be approximately 15C, rising to 17C in time for FP2 which will also be under clear skies. Humidity levels may be quite high though: 58% for FP1, dropping to 48% ahead of second practice.
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Saturday 28 March: Free practice 3 and QualifyingÂ
The dry conditions are expected to continue into Saturday, with final practice at Suzuka occurring under clear skies with an air temperature of 15C when it kickstarts at 11:30. Very similarly to Friday, the temperature will again rise to 17C for qualifying at 3pm with humidity levels circa 54%.
Sunday 29 March: Japanese Grand Prix
The Japanese Grand Prix has been known to take place in extreme wet conditions with 2022 being a terrific example of that. But since it has moved to earlier in the year from ‘24, wet races haven’t really been a concern and Sunday should continue that trend as BBC Weather predicts dry, sunny intervals for race start at 2pm with temperature to remain around 19C.
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F1 2026 drivers’ standingsF1 2026 constructors’ standings
Position
Team
Points
1
Mercedes
98
2
Ferrari
67
3
McLaren
18
4
Haas
17
5
Red Bull
12
6
Racing Bulls
12
7
Alpine
10
8
Audi
2
9
Williams
2
10
Cadillac
0
11
Aston Martin
0
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