The Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka is renowned for its unpredictable weather. With the 2025 F1 season shaping into one of the most competitive years, we could be in for another classic race. A wet race could bring surprises, challenge drivers, and open the championship battle.
Weather Forecast: Rain Expected?
Embed from Getty ImagesForecasts predict temperatures in the high teens throughout race weekend, with a 50% chance of rain on Sunday. With Suzuka already one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar, wet conditions could make for an unpredictable and action-packed race.
Can Yuki Tsunoda Impress In Suzuka?
Embed from Getty ImagesJapan’s own Yuki Tsunoda will be eager to impress in front of a passionate home crowd. Now, behind the wheel of the RB 21, he’s determined to prove he should have been given the seat from the start of the season. However, Suzuka is a notoriously tricky circuit, and adapting to a new car – especially one seemingly built around Max Verstappen’s driving style – will be a tough challenge. With five years of F1 experience, Tsunoda’s skills will be put to the test this weekend.
Liam Lawson’s Fightback
After just two races with Red Bull, Liam Lawson was dropped last week following disappointing performances in Australia and China. Reflecting on the decision, he admitted:
“It’s tough, but I’m grateful for everything that has brought me to this point.”
Embed from Getty ImagesNow back with Racing Bulls, the team where he impressed across 11 races last season, Lawson is determined to prove he still belongs in F1. A strong result at Suzuka could help revive his career.
A Crucial Weekend For McLaren
With no major upgrades expected from their rivals, McLaren has a great opportunity to extend its lead in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships. However, the internal battle between its two drivers continues to heat up. At some point, the team will have to decide who to prioritise—or risk a repeat of the Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry in 2016, when tensions boiled over and fractured the team.
Will The Safety Car Be Busy?
With six rookies on the grid and potential rain, Suzuka could see multiple safety car interventions. The season opener in Australia showed how chaotic things can get with new faces in the field. Therefore, if conditions are wet, we could be in a dramatic race with plenty of incidents.
Looking Back: The 2024 Japanese Grand Prix
Embed from Getty ImagesLast year’s race saw Max Verstappen dominate from pole position, leading a Red Bull 1-2 with Sergio Perez finishing second. Carlos Sainz secured third place for Ferrari. With a closer championship battle this season, will 2025 see a different outcome?
F1 Japanese GP 2025: UK Start Times (BST)
Friday, 4th April
- FP1: 03:30 – 04:30
- FP2: 07:00 – 08:00
Saturday, 5th April
- FP3: 03:30 – 04:30
- Qualifying: 07:00 – 08:00
Sunday, 6th April
- Race: 06:00
You can watch it on Sky Sports F1 or on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
Amazing to see track marshals having so many issues with grass fires during qualifying, despite the relatively cold temperatures. Wonder if this is related to car design.