2026 Japanese GP start time: how to watch, live stream and F1 schedule

F1
March 24, 2026

Watch F1 via live stream or on TV: dates and start time for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) and Pierre Gasly (Racing Bulls-Honda) during the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka

Grand Prix Photo

March 24, 2026

The third round of the Formula 1 season brings another early morning start time, but the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix is one that’s always worth waking up early for: the Suzuka circuit is a favourite among drivers and fans alike.

The opening rounds in Australia and China have offered the first real read on the competitive order under the 2026 regulations, but the Japanese track provides its own examination. The  figure-of-eight layout with its famous Esses and the flat-out sweep of 130R, tends to sort the cars in ways that other circuits don’t.

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As with every round of the season, Sky Sports holds exclusive live rights in the UK, with every session broadcast on Sky Sports F1.

For non-subscribers, highlights of qualifying and the Japanese Grand Prix will be shown on Channel 4.

One practical note for UK viewers: the clocks go forward by an hour overnight on Saturday, 29 March, so the 6am BST start time will feel like 5am for your body clock.

Here’s how to watch all of the action.

 

2026 Japanese Grand Prix F1 start times, streaming and TV schedule

All times are for UK viewers

Note: the UK clocks go forward by an hour at 1am on Sunday 29 March when the UK switches from GMT to BST.

Friday 27 March

Session Session start time Live TV coverage
Practice 1 2.30am 2am, Sky Sports F1
Practice 2 6am 5.45am, Sky Sports F1

Saturday 28 March

Session Session start time Live TV coverage Highlights
Practice 3 2.30am 2.15am, Sky Sports F1
Qualifying 6am 5am, Sky Sports F1 Channel 4

Sunday 29 March

Session Race start time Live TV coverage Highlights
Japanese Grand Prix 6am BST 4.30am, Sky Sports F1 Channel 4

How to watch F1
Streaming and TV broadcast details

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix follows the standard race weekend format of three practice sessions, qualifying and the grand prix.

Live TV

Sky customers can watch on Sky Sports F1 from the first practice session on Friday morning through to the Japanese Grand Prix itself on Sunday March 29 at 6am BST. Subscribers can also watch via the Sky Sports app, with the option to go onboard with any driver of their choice.

Live stream

NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all Sky Sports channels with contract-free membership options, so customers can cancel at any time. You can choose between a Month or Day Membership. Live timing is also available through the F1 app throughout every session.

Highlights

Channel 4’s coverage continues with highlights of the Japanese GP on March 28–29. Channel 4 will air highlights from qualifying and the race hours after the conclusion of each session.