Formula 1 2025 Japanese GP Preview

Everyone loves the Japanese Grand Prix. The drivers adore the Suzuka Circuit because of its challenging and unrelenting nature. Spectators appreciate the unpredictability that the weather can bring, and teams, well… They just love a good challenge!

This year, the Japanese Grand Prix is the 3rd on the calendar, meaning that it won’t be a title decider, but there’s plenty of drama that Suzuka will seek to unpack. Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson swap teams in what can only be labelled as yet another disastrous 2nd-driver stint at Red Bull. That’s the hottest storyline this weekend, but plenty more is worth covering in the world of Formula 1! 

Japanese GP 2025 | Schedule

This is the Schedule for the F1 2025 Japanese GP. All times are UK.

• FP1 – 3.30 am, Friday
• FP2 – 7.00 am, Friday
• FP3 – 3.30 am, Saturday
• Qualifying – 7.00 am, Saturday
• Japanese Grand Prix – 6.00 am, Sunday

In the UK, Sky Sports is the official broadcaster of F1, and you can also watch it worldwide via F1TV. 

3 Biggest Storylines Before the Japanese GP

Can Yuki Tsunoda Shine at Red Bull?

Yuki Tsunoda’s promotion to Red Bull Racing came as a shock to some due to how quickly it happened, but many insiders predicted that this was very much in the cards. Many fans were surprised that Lawson was promoted to Red Bull’s senior team instead of the Japanese dynamo in the first place.

Yuki Tsunoda, long-backed by Red Bull’s partner Honda, steps into the RB21 cockpit alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen. He has high expectations from himself as well as the team to meet, and being alongside the best driver of the 2020s will be quite a hefty challenge.

For Yuki Tsunoda, it seems that his hard work finally paid off. The Japanese driver was often disappointed when talking about his situation in RB/Toro Rosso teams, hinting at being deserving of the promotion much earlier. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, acknowledged the team’s initial reservations about promoting Tsunoda but emphasised the need for experience to develop the RB21 car. 

Christian Horner stated that the driver swap (one of many) was purely for sporting reasons. The first two race weekends were enough to show the Milton Keynes outfit that Liam Lawson wasn’t ready to handle the snappy and edgy RB21.

The Suzuka circuit, with its demanding corners and high-speed straights as well as unpredictable weather, is the perfect battleground for Tsunoda to prove his spirit. Before the new driver’s home GP, Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, stated that the team is eyeing the podium but doesn’t want to put too much pressure on the new arrival.

However, the pressure is still going to be immense. Tsunoda himself admitted, “I need to be as close as possible to Max”. The expectations are sky-high, but if anyone could meet them and deserves a chance at doing so, it’s definitely the former RB driver. 

What’s Next for Liam Lawson?

After what can only be described as a disastrous start (RET and P12) at Red Bull, Liam Lawson joined the ranks of Daniil Kvyat, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon and Sergio Perez – all 2nd Red Bull drivers who were dropped because they underperformed compared to their teammate – Super Max.

After just two races with Red Bull, the Kiwi driver finds himself back in the junior team RB, a move that has raised eyebrows. Jos Verstappen, father of Max, voiced his support for Lawson, indicating the young driver’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. Max himself was seen liking Instagram posts that criticised his team’s decision to drop the new addition. 

However, when all things are said and done, the brutal reality of Formula 1 is that potential must translate into performance, and they were abysmal. Liam Lawson had the worst two GP starts for a new Red Bull driver ever. With Helmut Marko and Christian Horner not known for their patience, it seems like another day in the office for the Milton Keynes team.

It mustn’t be all sad, however. Some say that Lawson might have a shot at redemption, moving back to RB, a team with a very pacey car that’s much easier to control. Even though his new opponent, Isack Hadjar, seems talented, he’s not Max Verstappen, so the Kiwi holds his destiny in his own hands. 

What’s Going to Happen with the Weather?

The Suzuka Circuit is notorious for its unpredictable weather and heavy rains, and this weekend is no exception. Forecasts indicate a cold front moving in on Saturday night, bringing 2-8mm of rain on Sunday morning. The FIA has stated that showers are “likely,” with temperatures expected around 17°C during the race.

Such conditions make it exceptionally difficult to drive. Expect to see experienced drivers rising to the front and some unexpected points scorers. Ultimately, this all may be playing into the hands of Max Verstappen, a monster in the rain. The Great Equaliser could allow the Dutchman to bite back at McLaren. 

Japan GP | Track & History

The Suzuka International Racing Course, commonly known as just Suzuka, is the home of the Japanese F1 Grand Prix. It was opened all the way back in 1962 and intended as a closed test track for Honda. However, it has evolved into one of the most iconic racing venues worldwide, having blessed us with tens of high-adrenaline moments.  

We’ve had the culmination of the Senna-Prost rivalry in both 1989 and 1990 title deciders. We’ve also seen two all-time greats – Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher seal their championships in 2022 and 2000, respectively. However, the German also has been on the receiving end of one iconic moment, seeing a Fernando Alonso overtake in 130R back in 2005. 

Suzuka has 18 turns, with a very specific flow, blending high-speed straights and complex corners that test drivers’ skills and precision. The most iconic part of the track is probably “130R,” a high-speed left-hand corner taken at approximately 180-190 mph.

The track has been a staple in the Formula 1 calendar since it hosted its first Japanese Grand Prix in 1987. Often, it was the penultimate or even final race of the year. This season, however, it’s included in the Asian & Oceanic part of the calendar and is moved to the 3rd position on the calendar. 

Overall, the combination of technical corners and high-speed sections continues to make Suzuka a favourite among drivers and fans alike. Check out the most essential info in the table below

Recap of the Last Racing Weekend | Chinese GP

Sir Lewis Hamilton was the surprise winner of the sprint race. Scuderia Ferrari’s new addition rose to the occasion and delivered a stunning performance in Shanghai. The 7-time driver’s champion finished almost 7 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and nearly 10 seconds in front of Max Verstappen (Red Bull), who took the last podium spot.

On Sunday, thanks to a commanding performance, Oscar Piastri clinched victory at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, leading a McLaren 1-2 finish with teammate Lando Norris right behind him. 

Piastri started from pole and maintained his lead throughout all 56 laps, showcasing exceptional control and speed. 

George Russell secured 3rd for Mercedes, while Max Verstappen settled for 4th. For Ferrari, if Saturday was filled with the highest of highs, then Sunday was the lowest of lows. Drama unfolded as both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were disqualified due to technical infringements, taking away a major chunk of points from the Maranello outfit. Pierre Gasly was also barred for technical infringements. 

Both Haas and William drivers scored points and were the biggest benefactors of these DQs.

Standings Before the Japanese Grand Prix

Current F1 standings for 2025.

Driver Standings

Constructor Standings

We’re in full swing for 2025. Suzuka always delivers blockbuster action, so stay tuned to our blog to learn about the latest scoop in Formula 1. We also have a wide range of betting markets for not just Formula 1 but other motorsports events as well, if you want to check it out. 

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