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- In Pics: F1 2026 Japanese Grand Prix — 10 Interesting Suzuka Circuit Facts, Last Year’s Winner, Track Highlights And More
In Pics: F1 2026 Japanese Grand Prix — 10 Interesting Suzuka Circuit Facts, Last Year’s Winner, Track Highlights And More
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday, March 29, marking the third round of the Formula 1 season at the Suzuka Circuit. With cherry blossom season in full swing and new F1 regulations in play, this year’s race brings a fresh dynamic to the track. George Russell heads into the weekend as the Drivers’ Championship leader with 51 points, just four ahead of his teammate Kimi Antonelli, as Mercedes continue their early-season dominance with 98 points in the Constructors’ standings. Ahead of the race, let’s take a look at Suzuka and some of its most interesting facts.
Suzuka Circuit Details
The Suzuka Circuit has a total length of 5.807 kilometres (3.608 miles), with the race run over 53 laps, covering a total distance of 307.471 kilometres (191.054 miles). The track features 18 turns in total, including 10 right-handers and 8 left-handers.
Only Two Straight Mode Zones
At Suzuka, after the new F1 2026 rules there are now only two straight-mode zones — one on the main straight and one before the 130R corner. Drivers can go faster in these sections, but as they approach 130R, the system switches back automatically for safety.
Degner Curves Named After a Rival
The Degner Curves (Turn 8 and 9) at Suzuka are named after German rider Ernst Degner, who crashed there in 1962, the inaugural year of the track. Despite being a Suzuki racer, Honda chose to honour him, making it one of the rare corners named after a rival. (Pic Credits: X)
No Japanese Ever Won
It’s a tough pill for the local fans to swallow, but the drought continues: no Japanese driver has ever won the Japanese Grand Prix, and that streak is guaranteed to stay intact for 2026.The home herp Yuki Tsunoda, is currently serving as the test and reserve driver for Red Bull Racing.
Death of Jules Bianchi
The Japanese Grand Prix is where one of Formula 1’s most tragic moments unfolded in 2014, when Jules Bianchi suffered a fatal crash in heavy rain at Suzuka. His accident led to major safety changes, including the Virtual Safety Car and the Halo, transforming driver protection in modern F1.
Suzuka Bridge
The Suzuka Crossover is the only point in modern Formula 1 where the track literally passes over itself, creating its famous figure-eight layout.
Cherry Blossom
Since 2024, the race has moved to a spring slot (March/April) to align with Japan's peak sakura (cherry blossom) season and improve regional sustainability.
Who Won Japanese Grand Prix Last Year?
Max Verstappen won the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing. He started from pole and successfully defended his position to claim his fourth consecutive win at Suzuka, extending his active record for the most successive wins at this track.
Who Won The Most
Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most wins at the Japanese Grand Prix with six victories. He won the races in 1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004.
Fastest Lap Record
The official Suzuka race lap record is 1:30.965, set by Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) in 2025. However, the all-time fastest lap is 1:26.983, achieved by Max Verstappen (Red Bull) during 2025 qualifying.
