The Grand Prix of Japan is held at the Suzuka International Racing Course, one of the jewels in the Formula 1 calendar. In 2022, Max Verstappen, representing Red Bull Racing, became the Formula 1 World Champion for the second time in Japan.

The Suzuka International Racing Course is the full name of the Formula 1 circuit better known as Suzuka, named after the city where the track is located. In the late 1950s, Honda founder Soichiri Honda decided his car brand could use its own test circuit. He entrusted the design to Dutchman Hans Hugenholtz, who had previously designed the Zandvoort Circuit. Hugenholtz conceived a track in the shape of an eight, with the long straight section crossing the front part via a viaduct. Other distinctive features include the Senna S’s, Spoon, and 130R. For many years, Suzuka had to share the Grand Prix of Japan with Fuji, but since 2009, the circuit between Osaka and Nagoya has been the sole Japanese host for Formula 1.

Legendary Duels between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost at the GP Japan

The race was traditionally scheduled at the end of the season, resulting in many championships being decided there. The intense duels between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost for the championship crown in 1989 and 1990 are legendary. Michael Schumacher managed to win a record six times at this venue, while the 2022 edition was won by Max Verstappen, who thereby defended his world title. The summary and his reaction after that race can be found at the end of this page (videos).

Key Facts about the Japanese Grand Prix:

• Inauguration: 1962
• First F1 Race: 1976 (Fuji) / 1987 (Suzuka)
• Location: Suzuka
• Track Length: 5.807 km
• Number of Turns: 18
• Most Victories: Michael Schumacher (6)
• Lap Record: Lewis Hamilton (1.30,983 in 2019)

Recent Winners of the Japanese Grand Prix:

• 2023: Max Verstappen
• 2022: Max Verstappen
• 2019: Valtteri Bottas
• 2018: Lewis Hamilton
• 2017: Lewis Hamilton
• 2016: Nico Rosberg

For many drivers, Suzuka is the pinnacle of Formula 1. Sebastian Vettel, who has since retired as an F1 driver, expressed his love for the Japanese circuit in 2022. “This circuit is so much better than all the other circuits. Thank you Suzuka, I’m going to miss this place,” he said after his last qualification.

The Tragic Incident of Jules Bianchi: A Dark Chapter in the History of the Japanese Grand Prix

Suzuka has also witnessed tragedy. In 2014, Jules Bianchi lost control of his Marussia in the Dunlop Curve. The Frenchman collided with a recovery vehicle that was removing the car of Adrian Sutil, who had crashed earlier, and suffered severe head injuries. Bianchi eventually succumbed to his injuries in 2015, becoming the first Formula 1 driver to die from a racing accident since Ayrton Senna in 1994. The incident led to an in-depth investigation and the introduction of the halo safety system, which has since proven its worth.

Suzuka was not included in the Formula 1 calendar in 2020 and 2021, like most races outside Europe, but it made a highly anticipated return in 2022. The circuit also hosted races in 2023.

Schedule for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix

Friday, April 5

04:30 – 05:30: First free practice
08:00 – 09:00: Second free practice

Saturday, April 6

04:30 – 05:30: Third free practice
08:00 – 09:00: Qualification

Sunday, April 7

07:00 – 09:00: Race