After the first two races of the World Championship of Formula 1, the GP of Australia and the GP of China, the circus moves to Suzuka for the GP of Japan of F1, where McLaren will try to continue showing its superiority and where Ferrari is expected to take a step forward to keep up with the World Championship.
McLaren dominates the F1 World Championship
The first two races of the F1 World Championship have shown that McLaren is the team to beat. In the first Australian Grand Prix only the rain prevented a one-two for Norris and Piastri, but in the second race the New Zealander took the victory ahead of Norris, thus demonstrating the dominance with which they have started.
Mercedes, without making much noise, continues to accumulate points, crouching in wait for the “papayas” to make a mistake that will get them hooked on to a world championship that has only just started, but which, for the moment, leaves Ferrari in a very bad position. Hamilton (who achieved victory in the sprint in China), and Charles Leclerc, must step up to the plate led by a team that finished 2024 very strongly but has not been able to start at the same pace.
Alonso and Sainz seek revenge
After a difficult start to the season for the Spaniards, it is time for them to take the initiative. Fernando Alonso has not yet finished a race and hopes not only to do so in Japan, but also to score his first points.
For his part Carlos Sainz, who is not entirely comfortable with the Williams, will try to recapture the sensations he had in the preseason and obtain better results than in previous races, where he achieved tenth place thanks to the disqualification of the Ferrari and Alpine.
This is the Suzuka circuit
Japan is preparing for a new edition of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the famous Suzuka circuit will be the scene of a powerful spectacle on the track. With 53 adrenaline-filled turns and a history that makes it one of the most famous tracks on the calendar, the show is guaranteed.
The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most hotly contested in the history of Formula 1. Only in 1976, 1977, 2007 and 2008 did it not take place. This Grand Prix moved from the Fuji circuit to Suzuka in 1987, and since then has provided spectacular duels and memorable moments in top-level motor racing.
The design of this track stands out for its curious “8” shape that makes it one of the few circuits on the planet with an elevated crossing, plus a series of “S” curves in the first sector that will test the skills of the drivers after the very long starting straight.
With strategically placed DRS zones and a technical layout that tests the precision and pace of the drivers, Suzuka promises another day of excitement and speed in F1.
Japanese Grand Prix 2025 – Schedule and Where to Watch
Local Time (Suzuka, Japan – UTC+9):
- Friday, April 4:
- First Practice Session: 11:30 – 12:30
- Second Practice Session: 15:00 – 16:00
- Saturday, April 5:
- Third Practice Session: 11:30 – 12:30
- Qualifying Session: 15:00 – 16:00
- Sunday, April 6:
- Race: 14:00 (53 laps or 120 minutes)
United States (Eastern Daylight Time – EDT)
- First Practice: Thursday, April 3 – 10:30 PM
- Second Practice: Friday, April 4 – 2:00 AM
- Third Practice: Friday, April 4 – 10:30 PM
- Qualifying: Saturday, April 5 – 2:00 AM
- Race: Saturday, April 5 – 1:00 AM
Where to watch: ESPN
United Kingdom (British Summer Time – BST)
- First Practice: Friday, April 4 – 3:30 AM
- Second Practice: Friday, April 4 – 7:00 AM
- Third Practice: Saturday, April 5 – 3:30 AM
- Qualifying: Saturday, April 5 – 7:00 AM
- Race: Sunday, April 6 – 6:00 AM
Where to watch: Sky Sports F1 (live), Channel 4 (highlights)
Canada (Eastern Daylight Time – EDT)
- First Practice: Thursday, April 3 – 10:30 PM
- Second Practice: Friday, April 4 – 2:00 AM
- Third Practice: Friday, April 4 – 10:30 PM
- Qualifying: Saturday, April 5 – 2:00 AM
- Race: Saturday, April 5 – 1:00 AM
Where to watch: TSN / RDS
Australia (AEST – Australian Eastern Standard Time)
- First Practice: Friday, April 4 – 12:30 PM
- Second Practice: Friday, April 4 – 4:00 PM
- Third Practice: Saturday, April 5 – 12:30 PM
- Qualifying: Saturday, April 5 – 4:00 PM
- Race: Sunday, April 6 – 3:00 PM
Where to watch: Fox Sports / Kayo Sports