Schedule and Starting Grid for the Japanese F1 Grand Prix

See you in Suzuka, Japan, this Sunday, April 6, 2025, for the third round of the 2025 F1 season.

After a well-deserved break following the Australia-China double-header, Formula 1 makes a stop in Japan for the third race of the season. Since its debut on the calendar in 1987, the Suzuka circuit has established itself as a must-visit, beloved by drivers for its technical and rhythmic layout. The famous “esses” of the first sector, in particular, remain a daunting section, providing a real spectacle from onboard cameras.

With its 5.807 km and 18 turns, Suzuka features iconic sections like the 130R, a super-fast left-hander where Fernando Alonso made a memorable overtaking maneuver on Michael Schumacher. The Japanese track has often been the scene of legendary duels, especially when it appeared at the end of the championship. In 1990, Ayrton Senna clinched his second world title here in an electrifying atmosphere, following a famous collision with Alain Prost right at the first corner.

Thirty-five years after its first appearance, the Japanese Grand Prix is set to celebrate its 35th edition on the legendary Suzuka track. Michael Schumacher remains the undisputed master with six wins, but Lewis Hamilton, with five victories, could tie this record this weekend — and score his very first win for Ferrari, two weeks after his victory in the sprint race in Shanghai.

However, the Brit will face tough competition, embodied by the in-form McLaren team since the start of the season: Lando Norris impressed in Australia, Oscar Piastri in China. The two teammates continue their head-to-head battle at the top, in a duel that could well become a three-way fight from the very first meters with an imperious Max Verstappen on pole position this Saturday.

Japanese GP F1 2025 – 3rd round

Friday, April 4
Free Practice 1: Lando Norris starts the weekend well
Free Practice 2: Four red flags spoil the session, Hadjar 3rd

Saturday, April 5
Free Practice 3: McLaren doubles before qualifying
Qualifying: Verstappen humiliates the McLarens

Sunday, April 6
7:00 AM – Race: Canal+ / Live Text AUTOhebdo
1:30 PM – Re-broadcast: Canal+

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