How to follow Japanese Grand Prix on the BBC
All the key BBC coverage details for the Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place from 27-29 March.
Japan's famous cherry blossom has become a feature of its grand prix since the race moved to a spring date in 2024 [Getty Images] 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. 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.