Here is the schedule not to be missed for the qualifying sessions in Suzuka, in a weekend already full of uncertainties.
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The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix weekend gets into the heart of the matter with a highly anticipated qualifying session on the legendary Suzuka track. This third round of the 2026 F1 calendar promises to be decisive, as the gaps still seem to be evolving since the introduction of the new technical regulations.
Until now, Max Verstappen had made Suzuka his favorite playground, taking every pole since Formula 1’s return to this circuit in 2022. But this year, the situation seems quite different. The Dutchman appears to be struggling after complicated free practice sessions, casting doubt on his ability to continue his dominance.
McLaren and Mercedes lying in wait
The first practice sessions delivered an interesting initial verdict: Oscar Piastri proved to be particularly fast, positioning McLaren as a serious contender for pole position. The British team seems capable of competing with a Mercedes team that remains as solid as ever at the start of this season.
Behind this duo, Ferrari remains in ambush, ready to take advantage of the slightest opportunity. The balance of power could, however, evolve quickly in qualifying, especially with recent adjustments to energy management, which could reshuffle the deck on a flying lap.
In this context, the fight for pole position promises to be much more open than in previous seasons, where Verstappen largely dominated the exercise on this technical and demanding circuit.
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2026 Japanese GP Qualifying Schedule
Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix will take place this Saturday, March 30, 2026, at 15h00 local time, or 07h00 French time.
This early morning schedule for European fans should not prevent enthusiasts from following a session that could already provide valuable indications of the weekend’s hierarchy.
With the new rules focused on energy management, qualifying has profoundly changed its face this season. The drivers must now juggle between pure performance and battery optimization, making the exercise more complex and sometimes less readable.
This could offer unexpected opportunities for some teams, while complicating the task for the usual favorites. Suzuka, with its fast and technical layout, represents a real test for these new single-seaters.
One thing is certain: this qualifying session could well hold surprises… and perhaps put an end to Verstappen’s hegemony in Japan.
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