2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix: Schedule, start time, preview, when and where to watch, and everything you need to know

With the Australian Grand Prix and Chinese Grand Prix wrapped up, the Formula 1 season now moves to the legendary Suzuka Circuit for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled from April 4 to 6. All eyes will be on Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who has dominated at Suzuka for the past three years. With a hat-trick of victories at this venue, the Belgian driver will be aiming for his fourth straight win.
Friday, April 4: The First Practice is scheduled at 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (local time) and will be followed by the Second Practice at 3 to 4 pm (local time). The weather will be dry and sunny with pleasant temperatures of around 14-15 degree celsius.
Saturday, April 5: The Third Practice session will be held at 11:30 am -12:30 pm (local time). The Qualifying race is scheduled at 3pm - 4pm and the temperature is expected to be around 15 degree celsius with 20 percent chances of rain.
Sunday, April 6: The final race will begin at 2 pm (local time) and can witness a similar situation as the one in Melbourne with 80 percent chances of rain expected in the later half of the day. The temperature is expected to be around 17 degree celsius.
Renowned for its distinctive figure-eight layout, Suzuka Circuit stands out as one of the most unique tracks in motorsport. Situated in Japan’s Mie Prefecture, it is a fan favorite, drawing immense excitement and attention. Stretching 5.807 km, Suzuka is known for presenting significant challenges to drivers. Its combination of high-speed corners and steep curves demands precision, exceptional skill, and absolute control.
The Japanese fans are known to be the most ardent followers of Formula 1 when it comes to cheering for their favourite teams at Suzuka. This time, they are expected to support Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda in large numbers.

Three-time consecutive winner Max Verstappen has a strong chance of clinching yet another win for Red Bull in Japan and so do Lewis Hamilton, who is the second most successful driver at the Japanese Grand Prix. In the current scenario, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are the ones in top form and may continue the winning streak after Melbourne and Shanghai. The stakes are also high for Yuki Tsunoda who will be competing for Red Bull on his homeground.
The legendary Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most Japanese GP victories, with six wins (1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004). Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton holds the fastest lap record at this track, setting an impressive time of 1m 30.983s in 2019. With five wins to his name (2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018), Hamilton is the second-most successful driver at Suzuka, trailing only Schumacher.
Last Five Japanese GP Pole-Sitters:
2024 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2023 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2022 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2019 – Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
2018 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2017 – Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
Track length – 5.807 km
Lap record – 1m 30.983s (Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2019)
Most pole positions – Michael Schumacher (8)
Most wins – Michael Schumacher (6)
Pole position to Turn 1 braking point – 277 metres
Overtakes in 2023 – 81
Safety car probability – 67%
Virtual safety car probability – 50%
Pit stop time loss – 22.2 seconds (including 2.5s stationary time)
Also Read: Here’s how fans at Suzuka make the Japanese Grand Prix the most special race of the year
The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix will be available for live streaming on FanCode and F1 app/website in India and other countries.
In the USA, the live telecast of the F1 race will be on ESPN Network. The race will also be live streamed on the ESPN app and website.