F1 continues the 2024 season with an unusually early visit to Suzuka, Japan for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.
Despite his winning run having suffered a shock fiery end in Australia, Max Verstappen still leads the standings albeit now with a four-point lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, whilst his own teammate – Sergio Perez is a further point behind in third.
Japan though will represent a new climatic challenge following its move from the traditional autumn slot to this early-April slot as part of a calendar restructure.
Now, here is a guide to everything that you must know ahead of 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Suzuka International Circuit
Laps: 53
Race Distance: 305.573km
Tyre Compounds: C1, C2 & C3
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 5 April | FP1 | 3:30am |
| Friday 5 April | FP2 | 7:00am |
| Saturday 6 April | FP3 | 3:30am |
| Saturday 6 April | Qualifying | 7:00am |
| Sunday 7 April | Race | 6:00am |
Three Key Pointers
- With temperatures set to be considerably cooler in this new early-season slot, teams will face a new challenge in getting to grips with the new track conditions and temperatures.
- Data from previous Japanese Grands Prix will count for little other than setup and temperature purposes, due to the event having been held in autumn rather than spring.
- Rain is forecast for the race which could represent the first chance for wet-weather running with this season’s cars.
Last Time Out
Verstappen led this race in 2023 from lights-to-flag unchallenged as McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished second and third respectively, in an otherwise quiet race except for two incidents involving Perez which culminated in his retirement from the race.