TIME SCHEDULE

Check out the schedule for the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix . If you want to stay up to date with the latest schedule updates, subscribe to our newsletter.

General about the F1 Grand Prix schedule

Practice 1 (FP1) usually takes place on Friday and allows teams and drivers to familiarise themselves with the track and conditions. They focus on initial car set-up and gather data on tyre performance and track characteristics.

Practice 2 (FP2)  usually takes place 2-3 hours after (FP1). It gives teams another opportunity to fine-tune set-up and gather additional data. During this practice session, drivers can also simulate race conditions.

Practice 3 (FP3) usually takes place on Saturday prior to qualifying. This practice serves as a final opportunity for teams to make adjustments before qualifying. FP3 is often used to confirm the effectiveness of setup changes made based on data collected in FP1 and FP2.

Qualifying determines the starting grid for the race. It consists of several elimination rounds (Q1, Q2 and Q3), with the slowest drivers eliminated after each round until the fastest drivers are competing for pole position in the third round.

Race is the main event of the weekend. The race takes place on Sunday afternoon. At the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, drivers compete over 53 laps, covering a total distance of 307.471 kilometres. Pit stops, tyre management and strategy play a key role in determining the outcome of the race.