25 March 2026motorsportRace reportPreview

Mercedes aims to extend perfect start at Japanese GP

Mercedes heads to the Japanese Grand Prix with a perfect 2026 record, having won the first two races. This event is the first since the cancellation of two Middle Eastern rounds, making it a critical juncture for rivals like Ferrari to halt Mercedes' momentum. The weekend at Suzuka features a full schedule under expected dry conditions.

Mercedes arrives at Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix with a perfect record to defend, having secured 1-2 finishes in both races of the 2026 season so far. This third round marks a pivotal moment as the first race since the cancellations of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix, compressing the early season calendar and increasing the stakes for every point.

Why it matters:

Mercedes' dominant start has immediately established them as the team to beat, putting immense pressure on rivals like Ferrari to respond. The altered calendar, with a significant gap before the next race in Miami, means teams have limited opportunities to make up ground, making a strong result in Japan crucial for championship momentum.

The details:

Mercedes' Dominance: The Silver Arrows have won the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, plus the Shanghai sprint, with George Russell leading the drivers' championship.
The Chase Pack: Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, is a distant second in the constructors' standings, while Aston Martin and Cadillac are the only teams yet to score a point.
Broadcast Changes: For the 2026 season, Apple TV has taken over as F1's exclusive broadcaster in the United States under a new five-year deal, replacing ESPN. In the UK, coverage remains with Sky Sports and Channel 4 highlights.
Weekend Schedule (Local Time, JST):
- Friday, March 27: FP1 (11:30), FP2 (15:00)
- Saturday, March 28: FP3 (11:30), Qualifying (15:00)
- Sunday, March 29: Race (14:00)

What's next:

The Suzuka Circuit, a classic, flowing track known for its demanding corners like the 'S' Curves and 130R, will test the true pace and reliability of the 2026 cars. Forecasts predict dry and sunny conditions throughout the weekend, which should favor outright performance over strategy gambles. All eyes will be on whether Mercedes can continue its flawless run or if a challenger—most likely Ferrari—can finally break through and reshape the early championship narrative before the field heads to the Americas.