The Japanese Grand Prix plays host to the third Grand Prix of the 2026 Formula 1 season at the iconic Suzuka Circuit. Here is the full schedule for this weekend! After two intriguing races to open up the season amid the regulation overhaul, the
F1 circus heads to Japan, before a month-long hiatus takes place due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
Mercedes continued with their dominance at the Chinese Grand Prix as
George Russell took the first sprint race victory of 2026 before
Kimi Antonelli impressed hugely with his maiden Grand Prix win.
Kimi Antonelli celebrating his Chinese Grand Prix win - Photo: Race Pictures
However,
Ferrari will be hot on their heels with
Charles Leclerc and
Lewis Hamilton, showing themselves to be Mercedes' main rivals early in the season.
Another race in the Far East means European fans will have some late nights and early mornings in store to catch all the action.
F1 2026 Japanese Grand Prix: Full Schedule
| Session | Local time | UK Time (GMT) | CET |
| FP1 – Friday | 11:30 - 12:30 | 02:30 - 03:30 | 03:30 - 04:30 |
| FP2 – Friday | 15:00 - 16:00 | 06:00 - 07:00 | 07:00 - 08:00 |
| FP3 – Saturday | 11:30 - 12:30 | 02:30 - 03:30 | 03:30 - 04:30 |
| Qualifying – Saturday | 15:00 - 16:00 | 06:00 - 07:00 | 07:00 - 08:00 |
| Race – Sunday | 14:00 | 06:00 | 07:00 |
'F1 teams make decision on rule changes amid drivers' heavy criticism'
After the Chinese Grand Prix, there was some discussion about whether some refinements needed to be made to the brand-new regulations.
An entertaining Chinese Grand Prix convinced all team bosses that no short-term changes will be made, but for qualifying, the goal is for drivers to be able to push flat out again, rather than lifting early to manage battery recharge.
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