The Japanese Grand Prix Preview

By Teagan Crump

So far in 2026, Mercedes have been the dominnant force. Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have a race win and a second-place finish this season and will surely be looking to continue their success in Japan.

📸: Sky Sports

Ferrari are also a team that fans cannot rule out, the Scuderia have had a positive start to 2026 and surely it’s only a matter of time until either Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc win a race.

In China, neither McLaren started the race and Oscar Piastri has not started yet this season, in Japan they will be aiming to improve.

The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

Last year’s Japanese Grand Prix was relatively uneventful, but could be considered the start of McLaren’s “Papaya Rules.”

📸: McLaren

Max Verstappen started the race from pole, and was able to convert it to a win after 53 laps. As a whole, the race was uneventful but Verstappen and Lando Norris came close to a collision in the pit lane.

Piastri also asked to be let past his teammate as he believed that he could catch Verstappen, but McLaren did not allow this.

What to expect at this year’s Japanese Grand Prix

The weather for the Japanese Grand Prix looks good and as though it will be a dry race. The race will likely be warm but the 0% chance of rains may change.

📸: BBC Weather

One major factor to consider is Max Verstappen- so far in 2026, his season has not been positive and the four-time world champion will be aiming for a good points haul this weekend.

McLaren will also be hoping for an improvement this weekend, and will likely be hoping that they are able to finish the Grand Prix.

One team that cannot be stopped is Mercedes, they’ve had an undeniably perfect start to the season and both drivers seem determined to keep improving.

The Japanese Grand Prix will take place this Sunday, March 29th, at 6am UK time.