When is the Japanese Grand Prix and how can you watch it? As Red Bull and Max Verstappen eye a return to the podium after Australian DNF which saw Ferrari complete a 1-2

Red Bull and Max Verstappen will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend in Japan after an early retirement saw the Dutchman end his nine-match winning streak.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz crossed the checkered line first to take the top spot on the podium, followed by current teammate Charles Leclerc in second and former McLaren teammate Lando Norris in third.

This was the first time the Spanish drivers returned to F1 after missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to needing emergency surgery for their appendix.

The Japanese Grand Prix will take place this weekend, marking the first time in the event’s history that Japan will host a Grand Prix in April.

Here’s everything you need to know about this race weekend, including qualifying and race times.

Japanese Grand Prix – Key information

The Japanese Grand Prix will take place on Sunday, April 7 at the Suzuka circuit.

Sunday’s race will see lights out at 2pm local time, 6am BST / 1am ET / 10pm PT (Saturday night) / 3pm ACST / 2:30pm AEST.

There will be three practice sessions before Saturday’s qualifying sessions.

The calendar of the Japanese Grand Prix

Friday April 5

• 3:30 am: First practice of the Japanese GP
• am: practice two of the Japanese GP

Saturday April 6

• 3:30 am: Third practice of the Japanese GP
• 07:00: Japanese GP classification

Sunday April 7

• 06:00 hours: Japanese Grand Prix

*All times BST*

where to look

The Japanese Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with coverage starting at 4:30am

Sky Sports F1 will also broadcast live coverage of all three practice sessions and qualifying on Saturday.

Fans will also be able to stream the race live via the official Sky Go app.

Highlights of the action will be uploaded to the official Formula One YouTube channel after the race.

Mail Sport will also be providing live coverage of the Japanese Grand Prix so you can stay up to date with the latest news here.

Why has the date of the Japanese Grand Prix changed?

It may surprise many Formula One fans to learn that the next race after Australia will be in Japan, as the Suzuka circuit normally appears much later on the F1 calendar.

This year’s race was moved to early April as part of F1’s bid to be more sustainable and net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The Japanese Grand Prix was one of the few races to have its traditional date changed, as it was brought forward in the F1 calendar, so it takes place between the Australian Grand Prix and China.

Therefore, the organization wastes less carbon emissions by taking shorter flights.