2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix – Saturday's schedule

After a first day of testing marked by close gaps, the Japanese Grand Prix gets down to business this Saturday at Suzuka. The third round of the 2026 season enters a decisive phase with Free Practice 3, the final adjustments before qualifying, which will be crucial in a pecking order still being established. George Russell placed Mercedes Benz leading FP1 in 1:31.666, ahead of Andrea Kimi Antonelli for a Silver Arrows one-two.

However, the answer came in the afternoon with Oscar piastri, author of the best time in FP2 with 1:30.133. McLaren This confirms visible progress, even if Lando NorrisHampered by technical issues, he was unable to fully exploit his potential. Mercedes and McLaren therefore seem to be sharing the top spots at this stage of the weekend. Behind them, Classic Ferrari for sale remains in ambush without yet fully convincing. Charles Leclerc et Lewis Hamilton they remain in the top 6, but are significantly behind on one lap.

More worryingly, Red Bull continues to search for solutions: only tenth of EL2, Max Verstappen has faced numerous difficulties with an unstable car, far from the team's usual standards. Saturday is therefore shaping up to be a crucial day. Between Mercedes, looking to confirm their form, McLaren, seeking to fulfill their promise, and Ferrari, needing to close the gap, the balance remains fragile. The final practice session will be essential to fine-tune the setup before qualifying, where energy management and confidence in the team will be key. car could make all the difference.

📊 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

Formula 1
Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka), Round 3
Saturday March, 28
3h20 - Free Practice 3 (Canal+ Sport)
6h40 - Qualifications (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