2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix – Friday's schedule

After two contrasting opening rounds between Melbourne and Shanghai, the Formula 1 This is followed by the Japanese Grand Prix, the third race of the season. The season opener was notably marked by several technical problems and retirements even before the start.

Winner in Melbourne and the Sprint in China, George Russell arrives in Suzuka as a solid leader, taking advantage of a Mercedes Benz Regular and competitive at the start of this season. Behind them, the battle remains open: Classic Ferrari for sale confirmed his potential with Charles Leclerc et Lewis Hamiltoncapable of fighting at the front lines despite being behind the Silver Arrows.

McLarenThe reigning world champion is still finding her feet. Lando Norris limited the damage in Australia before suffering, as Oscar piastriA frustrating retirement in China without even starting the race. However, the British team remains in contention, aiming to quickly return to the podium.

📊 The Suzuka circuit (Japan) in numbers

• First Grand Prix: 1987
• Number of turns: 53
• Length: 5,807 km
• Race distance: 307,471 km
• Turns: 18
• Overtake mode activation zones: 2
• Straight line mode zones (DRS replacement): 3
• Lap record: 1:30.965 (Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes – 2025)

🕒 Japanese Grand Prix schedule and TV channels

(Paris time)

Formula 1
Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka), Round 3
Friday 27 March
4h15 - Free Practice 1 (Canal+ Sport)
7h45 - Free Practice 2 (Canal+ Sport)

🏆 The Formula 1 World Championship standings before the Japanese Grand Prix

Drivers Championship

1. 🇬🇧 George Russell (Mercedes) – 51 points
2. 🇮🇹 Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 47 points
3. 🇲🇨 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 34 points
4. 🇬🇧 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 33 points
5. 🇬🇧 Oliver Bearman (TGR Haas) – 17 points
6. 🇬🇧 Lando Norris (McLaren) – 15 points
7. 🇫🇷 Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 9 points
8. 🇳🇱 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 8 points
9. 🇳🇿 Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 8 points
10. 🇬🇧 Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – 4 points
11. 🇫🇷 Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – 4 points
12. 🇦🇺 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 3 points
13. 🇪🇸 Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 2 points
14. 🇧🇷 Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) – 2 points
15. 🇦🇷 Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 1 points
16. 🇫🇷 Esteban Ocon (TGR Haas) – 0 points
17. 🇩🇪 Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) – 0 points
18. 🇹🇭 Alexander albon (Williams) – 0 points
19. 🇫🇮 Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) – 0 points
20. 🇲🇽 Sergio Pérez (Cadillac) – 0 points
21. 🇪🇸 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 0 points
22. 🇨🇦 Lance stroll (Aston Martin) – 0 points

Manufacturers Championship

1. 🇩🇪 Mercedes – 98 points
2. 🇮🇹 Ferrari – 67 points
3. 🇬🇧 McLaren – 18 points
4. 🇺🇸 TGR Haas – 17 points
5. 🇦🇹 Red Bull – 12 points
6. 🇮🇹 Racing Bulls – 12 points
7. 🇫🇷 Alpine - 10 points
8. 🇩🇪 Audi – 2 points
9. 🇬🇧 Williams – 2 points
10. 🇺🇸 Cadillac – 0 points
11. 🇬🇧 Aston Martin – 0 points