Unveiling the 2024 F1 Japanese Grand Prix, we delve into the schedule and what to anticipate from this iconic race.
As F1’s Oceanic-Asian leg hits Suzuka, this early-season Japanese GP emerges as a key indicator of team dynamics and strengths.
F1 continues its Oceanic-Asian tour, making a stop this weekend at Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix. Typically held in the fall, the Japanese round returns to the early season, offering an interesting indication of the prevailing forces.
Suzuka normally favors cars with a balanced chassis and effective aerodynamics. However, when it occurs in the fall, the competitive landscape is well defined. As the fourth event on the calendar, it will provide different insights than the first three circuits.
Following Ferrari and Carlos Sainz’s victory in Melbourne, Red Bull and Max Verstappen aim to reclaim their throne, secured after two early-season wins. Similar to 2023, after Sainz’s triumph in Singapore, Verstappen seeks to initiate a winning streak at Suzuka.
The Circuit:
Suzuka ranks among F1’s legendary circuits, hosting Grand Prix since 1987 and known for its fast corners and straights spanning 5807 meters. It features the “Esses” in the first sector and the 130R – taken flat out – in the last. On race day, competitors will face it 53 times, presenting a true physical challenge, not to mention often unpredictable weather that can spring surprises.
Turns 1/2 – Turn 1 is a very fast corner requiring slight braking in preparation for the slower Turn 2.
Turns 3-6 – The “Esses”. Understeer must be minimized amid constant direction changes while maintaining a well-balanced car to keep up the pace.
Turns 8/9 – Two tricky turns form Degner. Short and narrow, the first requires cautious approach due to the inside curb. Drivers aim to get close without touching it. The second leaves little room for error, making mistakes costly.
Turn 11 – Heavy braking before the hairpin calls for a wide line and good traction on the cambered exit.
Turns 13/14 – Understeer slows speed in Spoon, thus minimizing it is crucial for a fast exit towards the opposite straight.
Turn 15 – The 130R is taken at full throttle, a more challenging feat when cars are heavy with fuel.
Turn 16 – Heavy braking into the chicane leading to the final turn. It’s easy to lock a wheel and compromise the lap.
Competitive Landscape
On a circuit with fast corners, Red Bull is the obvious favorite at Suzuka. Max Verstappen, the event’s two-time defending winner, stands out as the clear victory contender.
Ferrari should be competitive thanks to its significantly improved tire management over 2023 and a car that performs well on fast circuits. McLaren F1 also deserves attention, having shone in 2023 with a car well-suited to the Japanese track.
However, the performance levels of Mercedes and Aston Martin remain uncertain, while the midfield pack of five teams is expected to be tightly contested once again.
Japan GP 2024 Schedule
The Japanese Grand Prix schedule requires early rising in United Kingdom, as it follows daytime timings in the Asian time zone. Coffee preparation will be crucial to follow the Free Practices and the race!
- Friday, April 5
3:30-4:30 AM: Free Practice 1
7:00-8:30 AM: Free Practice 2
- Saturday, April 6
3:30-4:30 AM: Free Practice 3
7:00-8:00 AM: Qualifying
- Sunday, April 7
6:00-8:00 AM: Race
Past Winners of the Japanese Grand Prix
| Year | Track | Winner | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Suzuka | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
| 2022 | Suzuka | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | Honda |
| 2019 | Suzuka | Valtteri Bottas | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2018 | Suzuka | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2017 | Suzuka | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2016 | Suzuka | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2015 | Suzuka | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2014 | Suzuka | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | Mercedes |
| 2013 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2012 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2011 | Suzuka | Jenson Button | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2010 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2009 | Suzuka | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull | Renault |
| 2008 | Fuji | Fernando Alonso | Renault | Renault |
| 2007 | Fuji | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2006 | Suzuka | Fernando Alonso | Renault | Renault |
| 2005 | Suzuka | Kimi Räikkönen | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 2004 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2003 | Suzuka | Rubens Barrichello | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2002 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2001 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 2000 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 1999 | Suzuka | Mika Häkkinen | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 1998 | Suzuka | Mika Häkkinen | McLaren | Mercedes |
| 1997 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 1996 | Suzuka | Damon Hill | Williams | Renault |
| 1995 | Suzuka | Michael Schumacher | Benetton | Renault |
| 1994 | Suzuka | Damon Hill | Williams | Renault |
| 1993 | Suzuka | Ayrton Senna | McLaren | Ford |
| 1992 | Suzuka | Riccardo Patrese | Williams | Renault |
| 1991 | Suzuka | Gerhard Berger | McLaren | Honda |
| 1990 | Suzuka | Nelson Piquet | Benetton | Ford |
| 1989 | Suzuka | Alessandro Nannini | Benetton | Ford |
| 1988 | Suzuka | Ayrton Senna | McLaren | Honda |
| 1987 | Suzuka | Gerhard Berger | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| 1977 | Fuji | James Hunt | McLaren | Ford |
| 1976 | Fuji | Mario Andretti | Lotus | Ford |
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Japan GP 2024 Schedule. Japan GP 2024 Schedule. F1 Japan GP 2024 Schedule
