The Japanese GP marks the third round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, returning to a traditional race weekend format after the Sprint in China. Suzuka hosts three practice sessions before qualifying sets the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix, giving teams more time to refine their setups but also removing any margin for error.
With early-morning sessions for European audiences and overnight viewing for the Americas, timing once again becomes key. Below is the full Japanese GP schedule, with Suzuka local time and Spain time clearly laid out.
Japanese GP schedule: Session times by region
All original session times are listed in Suzuka local time (JST, UTC+9) alongside Spain time (CET).
| WHERE | FP1 | FP2 | FP3 | QUALI | RACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (JST) | 11:30 | 15:00 | 11:30 | 15:00 | 14:00 |
| Spain (CET) | 03:30 | 07:00 | 03:30 | 07:00 | 07:00 |
| United Kingdom (GMT) | 02:30 | 06:00 | 02:30 | 06:00 | 06:00 |
| USA – Eastern (ET) | 22:30* | 02:00* | 22:30* | 02:00* | 01:00* |
| USA – Pacific (PT) | 19:30* | 23:00* | 20:00* | 19:30* | 22:00* |
| Mexico (CST) | 21:30* | 01:00* | 21:30* | 01:00* | 01:00* |
| Brazil (BRT) | 23:30* | 03:00* | 23:30* | 03:00* | 03:00* |
| India (IST) | 07:00 | 13:00 | 07:00 | 12:30 | 12:30 |
| Japan (JST) | 12:30 | 10:30 | 12:00 | 10:30 | 10:30 |
*Sessions marked with an asterisk take place on the previous calendar day locally.
For European fans, the Japanese GP schedule means another very early start, with the race beginning at 07:00 in Spain and 06:00 in the UK. For US viewers, it’s a late-night or overnight weekend.
Where to watch the Japanese GP 2026
Here’s where you can follow the Japanese GP schedule live around the world:
- United Kingdom & Ireland: Sky Sports, Channel 4
- Spain, Portugal & Andorra: DAZN
- USA: Apple TV
- Mexico: TUDN, Sky Sports, Izzi
- Brazil: ESPN
- France: Canal+
- Germany: Sky Deutschland, RTL
- Italy: Sky Italia
- Netherlands: Viaplay
- India: FanCode, TATA Play FanCode Sports
- Japan: Fuji TV
- Australia: (local broadcasters TBC closer to event)
- MENA region: beIN Sports
- Latin America: ESPN
Coverage includes all practice sessions, qualifying and the Grand Prix.
What this weekend matters?
The Japanese GP returns to the standard format after China’s Sprint weekend, which changes the rhythm completely. Teams now have more time to optimise their cars, but also fewer excuses by the time qualifying begins.
Suzuka is one of the most complete tests on the calendar, combining high-speed commitment with technical precision. The flowing nature of the circuit means balance is everything, and any weakness will be exposed across the lap.
Tyre management will once again be key, with sustained lateral loads putting pressure on the front tyres. Strategy will be less chaotic than in China, but no less decisive.
If China accelerated the season, Suzuka starts to define it.
