Formula 1 2024: Japanese Grand Prix Predictions, Preview, Race Schedule and Circuit Details

• The Formula One spectacle rolls on to Suzuka for the fourth race of the 2024 season
• Red Bull Racing are eyeing a comeback following their uneventful outing in Australia
• Sports Brief has details, plus a preview and a prediction, for the Japanese Grand Prix

Following Carlos Sainz's victory with Ferrari in Australia, the Formula 1 season now sets its sights on the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.

This year's race, coming earlier in the season than before, promises cooler temperatures and a different dynamic to the traditional challenge of Suzuka.

With the looming spectre of tyre graining and Red Bull Racing still uncertain about their brake issues following the events of the Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari seeks to maintain momentum and further put pressure on the Austrian team.

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However, pressuring Red Bull is no easy task, especially considering the impeccable record the Milton Keynes team boasts at the Suzuka Circuit in recent years.

With the Japan Grand Prix shaping up to be a thriller for fans and stakeholders, Sports Brief has compiled a preview, predictions, and schedule of the race at Suzuka.

Japanese Grand Prix schedule

The 2024 Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from April 5 to April 7, promising a captivating array of sessions and events spread across three thrilling days:

April 5:

- Practice 1 commences at 11:30 (GMT +9)

- Practice 2 follows at 15:00 (GMT +9)

April 6:

- Practice 3 starts at 11:30 (GMT +9)

- Qualifying ensues at 15:00 (GMT +9)

April 7:

- The Grand Prix begins at 14:00 (GMT +9).

Japanese Grand Prix preview

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Over the years, the race at the Suzuka Circuit has become synonymous with two things - a wet weather race and the amazing wheel-to-wheel experience it has often treated fans to.

The last few editions of the Grand Prix have seen Red Bull Racing showcase their dominance, and the 2024 edition looks finely poised to continue in such a manner.

According to reports courtesy of Red Bulletin, the Austrian constructor are responding to their slip-up at the Australian GP with new upgrades to their already dominant RB20 car.

The Milton Keynes team have been vocal about making a statement after the race at Albert Park, and it appears their old stomping ground of Suzuka might just be a perfect venue.

Ferrari, on the other hand, is still basking in the euphoria of their victory recorded at the Australian Grand Prix. The seemingly 'fortuitous' win has seen the Maranello team dreaming of challenging Red Bull for the drivers' crown.

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However, many hold the idea of Ferrari challenging Red Bull with a pinch of salt, especially considering the fact that the Italian team has often failed to impress whenever the odds seem stacked in their favour.

Nonetheless, out-of-contract driver, Sainz, will be looking to impress as he aims to secure a driving seat for the 2025 season. Mercedes AMG, on the other hand, is experiencing its second-worst season in its 15-year history in F1.

The Brackley team has only been able to muster 26 points from the opening three races, and their impeccably underwhelming display was evident in Australia when both their drivers suffered DNFs at the Albert Park race.

The German team, who have had their season heralded with talks regarding the signing of a new driver, are also exploring the possibility of signing Red Bull’s Chief Technical Director, Pierre Wache, in an attempt to help alleviate their current woes.

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While it would undoubtedly be difficult for Mercedes to secure the acquisition of Wache, the German team must focus on solving its immediate problems regarding the pace of the W15 car.

Suzuka presents another opportunity for the Brackley team to prove it has improved from its last outing on the track, and it remains to be seen how things play out on race weekend.

Japanese Grand Prix prediction

Red Bull undoubtedly stands head and shoulders above the rest of the grid, and the Suzuka race track, regardless of the weather conditions, has proven to be highly favourable for the Austrian team in the past.

Therefore, in light of this, and with Red Bull looking to provide a statement response to the rest of the grid, we predict a first and second-place finish for the Milton Keynes team.

We also anticipate Mercedes will make significant improvements from their poor start to the season. Visa Cash App RB Team (VCARB) are also expected to be the surprise team of the race weekend in Suzuka.

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McLaren clinched their first podium of the 2024 season in Australia. However, while the Woking team are still far off their form from the 2023 season, we expect a significant points-scoring finish for the team, especially considering the high likelihood of a safety car at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Japanese GP Circuit Information

Circuit Name: Suzuka International Racing Course

Debut Grand Prix: 1987

Total Laps: 53

Track Length: 5.807 kilometres

Race Distance: 307.471 kilometres

Lap Record: 1:30.983 - Lewis Hamilton (2019)

Japanese Grand Prix previous winners

2023 - Max Verstappen - Red Bull

2022 - Max Verstappen - Red Bull

2021 - Cancelled

2020 - Cancelled

2019 - Valtteri Bottas - Mercedes

2018 - Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes

2017 - Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes.

Teams with the most victories in Formula 1

Sports Brief previously listed Formula 1 teams with the most victories in the history of the sport.

Among notable constructors are Red Bull, Williams Racing, and a host of other iconic F1 teams.