Check out the full 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix weekend schedule, session start times and where to watch.
The third round of the revamped 2026 F1 calendar will be held at the iconic Suzuka Circuit from March 27 to 29, promising non-stop action as the battle for drivers’ and constructors’ championships continues with Mercedes holding a commanding lead after dominant wins in Australia and China.
Fans tuning in will experience meticulously timed sessions, starting with free practice one on Friday at 02:30 GMT followed by second practice at 06:00 GMT. Saturday’s final practice will get underway at 02:00 GMT as qualifying concludes the day at 06:00 GMT.
Sunday marks the climax, with the 2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix kicking off at 14:00 local time for a 53-lap 120-minute showdown covering 307.471km.
For viewers seeking where to watch the race, global coverage spans premium platforms: In the UK, Sky Sports F1 delivers live sessions with expert commentary, while US audiences can tune in on Apple TV’s dedicated F1 channel and ESPN for highlights, ensuring no fan misses the action.
F1 TV Pro offers streaming worldwide in eligible regions, complete with onboard cameras and data overlays, making it indispensable for dissecting the 2026 Japanese GP session times in real-time.
2026 F1 Japanese Grand Prix schedule – Suzuka Circuit
| Date | Session | Local Time | UK Time (GMT) | CET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 27 March | Free practice 1 | 11:30 – 12:30 | 02:30 – 03:30 | 03:30 – 04:30 |
| Friday 27 March | Free practice 2 | 15:00 – 16:00 | 06:00 – 07:00 | 07:00 – 08:00 |
| Saturday 28 March | Free practice 3 | 11:30 – 12:30 | 02:30 – 03:30 | 03:30 – 04:30 |
| Saturday 28 March | Qualifying | 15:00 – 16:00 | 06:00 – 07:00 | 07:00 – 08:00 |
| Sunday 29 March | Race | 14:00 – 16:00 | 06:00 – 08:00 | 07:00 – 09:00 |
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