How to follow Japanese Grand Prix on the BBC

Petals from cherry blossom trees in the foreground with an Alpine visible on track during the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix — Image caption,
Japan's famous cherry blossom has become a feature of its grand prix since the race moved to a spring date in 2024

23 March 2026

Round three of the 2026 Formula 1 season heads to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, from 27-29 March.

Mercedes dominated the opening two rounds, with George Russell winning in Melbourne and the Shanghai sprint, before 19-year-old team-mate Kimi Antonelli took his first grand prix victory in China.

Ferrari are the other team to impress so far, with Charles Leclerc and then Lewis Hamilton joining the Mercedes drivers on the podium.

Following Suzuka, F1 will have an unplanned five-week break because the conflict in the Middle East caused the cancellations of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Lights out for Sunday's grand prix is at 06:00 BST - after the clocks go forward.

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Is this a new Hamilton under Ferrari?

Session start times and BBC coverage

Commentary of the race will be available across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.

You can also listen by asking most smart speakers to "play BBC Radio 5 Live" or "play BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra".

Make sure to listen to every episode of the Chequered Flag podcast. For the first time this year, the post-race show for every grand prix is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

Times GMT on Friday and Saturday and BST on Sunday

Friday, 27 March

First practice: 02:30-03:30 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Second practice: 06:00-07:00 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Saturday, 28 March

Third practice: 02:30-03:30 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Qualifying: 06:00-07:00 (BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

Sunday, 29 March

Race: 06:00 (build-up from 05:30 on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

F1: Chequered Flag

What is the Suzuka weather forecast?

The early forecast suggests it should be mostly dry across the weekend, though Saturday might be affected by rain.

For practice on Friday, it should be sunny with highs of 17C and a small chance of showers.

Light rain is expected on Saturday, though it might clear by 3pm local time, when qualifying is due to start. For the race on Sunday, it should be sunny with a high of 18C but there is a chance of showers.

Wheatley gone from Audi after two races

Jonathan Wheatley pictured wearing an Audi-branded jacket at the Chinese Grand Prix — Image caption,
Jonathan Wheatley spent 20 years at Red Bull before joining Audi last year

Just two races after entering F1, there has already been a change at the top at Audi.

Team boss Jonathan Wheatley left with immediate effect last week for "personal reasons", according to an Audi statement.

The 58-year-old Englishman has been approached by Aston Martin to become their team principal.

Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll wants Wheatley to run the race team under managing technical partner Adrian Newey.

Wheatley joined Audi a year ago and has been based at its chassis headquarters in Hinwil in Switzerland. Among the reasons for his desire to move on is said to be the appeal of a return to the UK.

For Audi, Mattia Binotto will take on the responsibilities of team principal in addition to his role as head of its F1 project.