Japan Grand Prix Preview: Mercedes look to extend dominance in Suzuka
26th March 2026Formula One heads to Suzuka for round three of the 2026 championship, as Mercedes looks to continue their early dominance at the top of the championship.
Feature image credit: Mercedes F1
Following his maiden victory last time out in China, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli will be looking to build on his strong early-season form. With his Mercedes car remaining the strong favourite again this weekend, the Italian will be hoping to edge out teammate George Russell once more in Japan.
Ferrari remains hot on the heels of the German team, however, following a particularly strong first two races of the new regulations. Whilst the Scarlet team has proven particularly strong at the early periods of a grand prix – thanks to their quick starts – they have struggled to provide sufficient pace over an entire race distance to challenge for victories.
Further down the field, Red Bull will be hoping to turn a new ‘blossom’ leaf in Japan, after a disappointing start to the season. With neither Red Bull driver finishing inside the top five in the first two races, Japan offers the team an opportunity to learn from their poor performances so far this season.
Similarly, last year’s constructors and drivers’ champions McLaren will be aiming to start their season afresh in Japan. With both cars failing to reach the grid last weekend, team Papaya will be hoping to move away from their technical issues, as Piastri aims to complete his first racing lap of the season.
Suzuka, a track known for its unique, high-speed layout, forces greater emphasis on driver ability and speed. High levels of tyre degradation have plagued teams in previous years, leading to Pirelli bringing their hardest compound of tyres to Japan (C1, C2 and C3). The 5.807km track offers opportunities to those who can make the most out of their tyres, where drivers such as Cadillac’s Sergio Perez have shone before.
Multiple teams across the grid have also brought special liveries to celebrate the Japanese Grand Prix, as Haas, Racing Bulls and Mercedes have all introduced new car designs. With homages to Godzilla from Haas and a wolf design featuring across the front wing of Mercedes, this weekend will provide eye-catching new designs.
The Suzuka circuit looks set to provide favourable conditions for racing this weekend with dry weather expected across the weekend. With temperatures ranging from early morning lows of 4°C to highs of 18°C, there remains only a 25% chance of rain for Sunday’s race.
The Japanese Grand Prix gets underway this Friday with first practice at 2:30 (GMT), ahead of practice two at 6:00. Saturday’s action begins with free practice three at 2:30 before qualifying at 6:00. Finally, Sunday sees an early lights out at 6:00.
Read more Formula 1 here:
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- Haas F1 reveal special Japanese Grand Prix livery
- Jak Crawford to drive Aston Martin in Japanese GP FP1
- Racing Bulls to Support Wings for Life World Run in Global Initiative
- Two Formula 1 teams make leadership changes
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