Schedule for the F1 Grand Prix of Japan

Discover the schedule for the Japanese Grand Prix (April 5-7), the fourth round of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

After the Middle East and Australia, Formula 1 returns to the Asia-Pacific region and heads to the Suzuka circuit for the Japanese F1 GP, the fourth round of the 2024 season. This Grand Prix takes place in spring for its 38th edition, marking a first for Japan, which traditionally hosted the event in the fall, in October. The decision to move it to April is explained for two reasons: the “regionalization” of the calendar to reduce travel between different countries, as well as the weather to avoid the monsoon season, a time prone to heavy rains and typhoons.

As for the Suzuka layout, one of the most favored by drivers, no changes are planned this year. The layout remains the only one on the F1 calendar with its original “8” shape, meaning it can be driven in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. The track, 5.8 kilometers long, features 18 corners including the famous “Esses” in the first sector and corner 15, named “130R,” which can be taken flat out in Formula 1. In 2024, there will be only one DRS zone, on the main straight, with a detection point at the exit of 130R.

On the grid, Valtteri Bottas (2019), Fernando Alonso (2006, 2008 at Fuji), Max Verstappen (2022, 2023), and Lewis Hamilton (2007 at Fuji, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018) are the only four drivers to have won the Japanese Grand Prix in their careers. Hamilton is, in fact, the second driver on the Japanese GP winners list, behind Michael Schumacher (6 wins), and he also holds the record for the fastest lap in a race with a time of 1’30″983, achieved in 2019.

Last year, Max Verstappen won without much resistance, ahead of the two McLarens, marking their first double podium in over two years. While Suzuka has witnessed several memorable races – and several decisive races for the title – this will obviously not be the case this year due to the advancement of the Japanese F1 Grand Prix to April!

F1 – Japanese GP 2024 – Schedule

Friday, April 5
Free Practice 1: 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM (Canal + Sport)
Free Practice 2: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Canal + Sport)
Saturday, April 6
Free Practice 3: 4:30 AM – 5:30 AM (Canal + Sport)
Qualifying: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (Canal + Sport / Live Text AUTOhebdo)
Sunday, April 7
Race: 7:00 AM (Canal + / Live Text AUTOhebdo)

ALSO READ: This Ferrari is worth bricks!