Qualifying for the upcoming F1 Japanese GP has the potential to see the grid closer than ever in 2026. After Friday's sessions saw Oscar Piastri set the pace in second practice for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, it revealed that Mercedes’ early dominance might be challenged in FP3 and in qualifying at Suzuka.
After Mercedes locked out a 1-2 in opening practice, Piastri responded with a 1m30.133s in FP2 to edge Kimi Antonelli by 0.092s, with George Russell completing the top three.
The McLaren driver controlled much of the session, particularly once soft-tyre running began, while team-mate Lando Norris recovered from early issues to finish fourth.
The result suggests the competitive picture remains finely balanced heading into the remainder of the weekend, with Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari all showing flashes of pace under Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations. Here is all you need to know to follow the action from Japan.
Where can I watch the F1 Japanese GP?
Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the Japanese GP in the usual place for F1, as Sky Sports has entered its 14th year of broadcasting the championship. It is showing every session of the 2026 campaign, meaning the track action can also be streamed via the Sky Go app or NOW TV. Fans are able to watch the action on freeview as well though, as Channel 4 broadcasts highlights of both qualifying and the race.
There was change for 2026 over in the United States though, as Apple TV took over from ESPN as F1’s exclusive broadcaster in the US as part of a five-year deal for the tech giant, worth approximately $140m each year.
Where can I follow qualifying live for the F1 Japanese GP?
Live coverage of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix is available via Motorsport.com with commentary of every session from FP1 to Sunday’s race.
F1 Japanese GP Schedule
FP3
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Japanese GP - FP3
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Qualifying
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Japanese GP - QU
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Race
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Japanese GP - Race
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What is the weather forecast for the F1 Japanese GP?
Saturday 28 March: Free Practice 3 and Qualifying
Dry conditions are expected to continue into Saturday, although cloud cover may increase slightly compared to Friday. Final practice should begin at around 15C, with temperatures rising to approximately 17C for qualifying. Humidity is expected to sit near 54%, with no significant threat of rain.
Sunday 29 March: Japanese Grand Prix
The Japanese Grand Prix has been known for extreme wet conditions in the past, but that is not expected this year. Forecasts point to dry conditions with sunny intervals for the race start at 14:00 local time, with temperatures around 19C and stable conditions throughout.
F1 2026 drivers' standings
| Position | Driver | Team | Points |
| 1 | George Russell | Mercedes | 51 |
| 2 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 47 |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 34 |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 33 |
| 5 | Oliver Bearman | Haas | 17 |
| 6 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 15 |
| 7 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 9 |
| 8 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 8 |
| 9 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 8 |
| 10 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | 4 |
| 11 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | 4 |
| 12 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 3 |
| 13 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 2 |
| 14 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | 2 |
| 15 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 1 |
| 16 | Esteban Ocon | Haas | 0 |
| 17 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | 0 |
| 18 | Alex Albon | Williams | 0 |
| 19 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | 0 |
| 20 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | 0 |
| 21 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 0 |
| 22 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 0 |
F1 2026 constructors' standings
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | Mercedes | 98 |
| 2 | Ferrari | 67 |
| 3 | McLaren | 18 |
| 4 | Haas | 17 |
| 5 | Red Bull | 12 |
| 6 | Racing Bulls | 12 |
| 7 | Alpine | 10 |
| 8 | Audi | 2 |
| 9 | Williams | 2 |
| 10 | Cadillac | 0 |
| 11 | Aston Martin | 0 |
