Qualifying for the upcoming F1 Japanese GP has the potential to see the grid nearer than ever in 2026. After Friday’s periods noticed set the tempo in second observe for the Formulation 1 Japanese Grand Prix, it revealed that Mercedes’ early dominance may be challenged in FP3 and in qualifying at Suzuka.
After Mercedes locked out a 1-2 in opening observe, Piastri responded with a 1m30.133s in FP2 to edge by 0.092s, with finishing the highest three.
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The McLaren driver managed a lot of the session, notably as soon as soft-tyre operating started, whereas team-mate recovered from early points to complete fourth.
The outcome suggests the aggressive image stays finely balanced heading into the rest of the weekend, with Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari all displaying flashes of tempo beneath Formulation 1’s new 2026 laws. Right here is all it is advisable to know to observe the motion from Japan.
The place can I watch the F1 Japanese GP?
Followers in the UK can watch the Japanese GP within the regular place for F1, as Sky Sports activities has entered its 14th yr of broadcasting the championship. It’s displaying each session of the 2026 marketing campaign, which means the monitor motion may also be streamed through the Sky Go app or NOW TV. Followers are capable of watch the motion on freeview as effectively although, as Channel 4 broadcasts highlights of each qualifying and the race.
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There was change for 2026 over in america although, as Apple TV took over from ESPN as F1’s unique broadcaster within the US as a part of a five-year deal for the tech large, value roughly $140m annually.
The place can I observe qualifying reside for the F1 Japanese GP?
Reside protection of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix is out there through Motorsport.com with commentary of each session from FP1 to Sunday’s race.
F1 Japanese GP Schedule
FP3
Your time
Mar 28 11:30
FP3
Mar 28 11:30
Qualifying
Your time
Mar 28 15:00
QU
Mar 28 15:00
Race
Your time
Mar 29 14:00
Race
Mar 29 14:00
Carlos Sainz, Williams
Carlos Sainz, Williams
What’s the climate forecast for the F1 Japanese GP?
Saturday 28 March: Free Observe 3 and Qualifying
Dry circumstances are anticipated to proceed into Saturday, though cloud cowl might improve barely in comparison with Friday. Last observe ought to start at round 15C, with temperatures rising to roughly 17C for qualifying. Humidity is anticipated to sit down close to 54%, with no important menace of rain.
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Sunday 29 March: Japanese Grand Prix
The Japanese Grand Prix has been identified for excessive moist circumstances prior to now, however that isn’t anticipated this yr. Forecasts level to dry circumstances with sunny intervals for the race begin at 14:00 native time, with temperatures round 19C and steady circumstances all through.
Learn Additionally:
Place
Driver
Crew
Factors
1
Mercedes
51
2
Kimi Antonelli
Mercedes
47
3
Ferrari
34
4
Ferrari
33
5
Haas
17
6
15
7
9
8
Purple Bull
8
9
8
10
Racing Bulls
4
11
Purple Bull
4
12
McLaren
3
13
2
14
Sauber
2
15
Alpine
1
16
Haas
0
17
0
18
Williams
0
19
Cadillac
0
20
Cadillac
0
21
Aston Martin
0
22
Aston Martin
0
F1 2026 constructors’ standings
Place
Crew
Factors
1
Mercedes
98
2
Ferrari
67
3
McLaren
18
4
Haas
17
5
Purple 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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