Formula 1 Zooming Through Japan
Racing Car Series Making a Comeback from Recent Hiatus - F1 championship's latest developments unveiled
💥 Grand Slam of Motorsports: Japan Edition 💥
For racing enthusiasts, the Land of the Rising Sun has a special place in their hearts – it's where the motorsport melodrama unfurls during the Formula 1 season.
Gearing up at the Suzuka Circuit
🏁Fuji Speedway. *🏁Suzuka Circuit`. Make a note of these names, because these tracks have left indelible marks on Formula 1 history.
Suzuka Circuit: The Heart of the action
- A Racetrack with a Twist: The Suzuka Circuit showcases a jaw-dropping figure-eight configuration, housing legendary turns like the Esses, 130R, and Degners. It pushes drivers and their machines to their absolute limits1.
- Center Stage of Championships: This lap sky-high drama, especially during the late 1980s and early 1990s, when it frequently played a pivotal role in deciding World Championships2.
- Seasonal Swap: The Japanese Grand Prix kicked off in October but now takes place in April, aligning Formula 1 events regionally to bolster sustainability1.
Fuji Speedway: A Legend Reborn
- After the Initial Roar: Hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 1976 and 1977, before a lengthy hiatus.
- Rise Again: Resurfaced in 2007 and 2008 after a revamp by Hermann Tilke but ultimately struggled with financial woes and was removed from the F1 calendar2.
Who’s Ruling the Racetrack
🏁 Michael Schumacher’s Reign: The fan-favorite German driver ranks first with an astounding six wins at Suzuka1.
🏁 Max Verstappen’s Empire: The Dutch wonderkid has defied gravity more than once, snagging the Suzuka title multiple times, including victories in 2022, 2023, and 20241.
🏁 Native Heroes: Japan's longstanding love affair with Formula 1 has yet to yield a World Championship title. However, homegrown talents like Aguri Suzuki and Yuki Tsunoda have dominated headlines with their impressive performances. Suzuki nabbed the first Japanese podium in 1990, and Tsunoda continues his quest for glory as Red Bull Racing's new mascot3.
Drama, Dramas, and More Dramas
In 2025, the Japan Grand Prix caught the spotlight when Yuki Tsunoda made history by leapfrogging Liam Lawson and joining Red Bull Racing1. Cheers, battle-cries, and chanting fans echoed through the stands as the team unveiled a one-off white livery to celebrate its partnership with Honda. Wheel-to-wheel action, high-stakes gamesmanship, and nail-biting finishes were guaranteed.
Record-Breaking Rounds
- The Modern Lap Record is held firmly by Andrea Kimi Antonelli with a blazing-fast time of 1:30.9652.
- Max Verstappen’s Lightning-Fast Qualifier: In 2025, Max Verstappen blistered the Suzuka Circuit with an unofficial all-time track record of 1:26.983 during qualifying2.
Weather: Casting its Spell on the Race
Weather can be a wild card in Japan, and it hasn't always played nice. Over the years, Formula 1 competitors have navigated sunny skies, windstorms, and heavy rain, each condition gripping the racetrack with its unique brand of challenge1.
The Commission has also been consulted on the following issues regarding the Formula 1 races in Japan: the appropriate section in the racing regulations for handling the unique formula of the Asian circuit, the potential formula for calculating points during the Japanese Grand Prix to ensure fairness among all competing teams, and a possible formula for adjusting the starting grid in case of adverse weather conditions during the race in Japan. Additionally, the Commission has also been consulted on the Formula 1 race in Japan being included as part of a strong "Asia Pacific Formula 1 Championship" formula, potentially boosting the number of races in the region and increasing the overall popularity of the sport. Lastly, the Commission was also consulted on the possibility of including a "Buddhist-inspired peace formula" during the driver's pre-race ceremonies in Japan, in line with the country's cultural values and the spirit of Formula 1's global community.
