The Japanese Grand Prix returns to Suzuka this Sunday for round three of the 2024 Formula 1 season. With a lap distance of 5.807km and a total race distance of 307.471km (53 laps), this will be the 39th edition of the prestigious race, and the 35th time it will be held at the iconic Honda-owned circuit. The race will begin at 0500 GMT (1400 local time), with Max Verstappen looking to extend his winning streak in Japan to four consecutive victories.
Verstappen, who claimed pole position with a lap time of 1 minute 28.197 seconds, won the 2024 race in Japan, adding to his previous wins in 2022 and 2023. The Dutch driver is once again the favorite, as he seeks to further cement his dominance in the sport. The Suzuka circuit is renowned for its figure-of-eight layout and challenging corners, such as Degner 1 and 2, Spoon, and the famous 130R, taken at speeds up to 295kph.
The Suzuka race is historically a battle for the front row, with 29 out of 34 winners having started from the front. However, there have been exceptions, such as Kimi Raikkonen’s remarkable victory from 17th on the grid in 2005. This season, the only Japanese driver on the grid is Yuki Tsunoda, who will be competing for Red Bull after his promotion from Racing Bulls.
In terms of all-time race winners in Japan, Lewis Hamilton stands out with five victories (2007 at Fuji, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018). He also holds the race lap record at Suzuka, set in 2019 with a time of 1 minute 30.983 seconds. Verstappen, with three wins in Japan, is eager to match Hamilton’s success and secure another victory on this legendary circuit.
McLaren’s Lando Norris currently leads the drivers’ championship, just eight points ahead of Verstappen. McLaren also boasts a 21-point advantage over Mercedes in the constructors’ standings. This season has seen McLaren make a strong comeback, with Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri each securing one win in 2025, marking McLaren’s first three-race winning streak since 2012. The team is poised to challenge for more victories, with their eyes set on breaking a 2005-era streak of four consecutive wins.
As for the rookies, Mercedes’ Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Haas’ Oliver Bearman have both scored points this season, while other first-time starters like Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar, and Liam Lawson are still looking for their first points. McLaren’s 50th one-two finish in China and Ferrari’s disqualification for the first time in their history also added excitement to this year’s campaign.
The Japanese Grand Prix is always a thrilling event, with Suzuka’s technical challenges and the fierce competition among the top drivers making for an unpredictable race. As Verstappen chases history and McLaren looks to continue their strong form, Sunday’s race promises to be an exciting spectacle for Formula 1 fans worldwide.
