Ahead of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, Paul Williams, Chief Trackside Engineer shares insights into the key technical factors that will shape the weekend.

What are the key technical challenges of Suzuka?

• Suzuka features a unique figure-of-eight configuration with several iconic corners. It is a fast, flowing circuit with significant high-speed corner content and frequent changes of direction.

• Overtaking can be difficult, as Turns 1 and 2 are narrow and the start/finish straight is relatively short.

• Since our last visit, the west course section of the track (Turns 7 to 17) has been completely resurfaced, complementing the work completed on the east course last year. Understanding the grip level of the newly laid surface will be a key focus across the weekend.

• With the late March event timing, the weather is expected to be cool. Fair conditions are forecast for Friday, however the outlook for Saturday and Sunday is currently more uncertain, with the possibility of rain showers passing through.

How do the 2026 regulations influence the approach this weekend?

• The new regulations define only two straight-line mode (SLM) zones; the start/finish straight and the run between Turns 14 and 15, both of which are active in wet and dry conditions.

• The lack of SLM into Turns 13 and 16 will require careful front ride height settings to ensure compliance with front skid wear requirements.

• A high level of super clipping is expected in Suzuka in both low and high-fuel conditions, due to the very fast, flowing nature of the circuit and the resulting low cornering times. As a result, we may see teams using lift and coast to help manage the energy challenge.

What are the tyre challenges at Suzuka?

• Pirelli have prescribed the hardest compounds, which are well suited to the high-energy demands of the circuit.

• It will be important to understand the impact of the resurfacing, coupled with the cool conditions on tyre performance.

• Graining is not anticipated to be a significant issue and is expected to be considerably less prevalent than in Shanghai.

What are the strategic considerations for the race?

• The Grand Prix is expected to be a one-stop race, with either the soft or medium tyre a viable option for the start.

• At present, a two-stop strategy does not look favourable, with a significant shift in degradation or reduction in tyre life required for the field to increase the number of stops.