2024 Japanese Grand Prix preview: timings, how to watch, and more
There’s renewed interest in the 2024 Formula 1 season and the build-up to the Japanese Grand Prix following Max Verstappen’s dramatic early retirement from the Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago. It left the door open for Carlos Sainz Jr. to once again end the Dutchman’s winning run on his return to the cockpit after abdominal surgery. It was a huge win for Ferrari that puts pressure on Red Bull to bounce back and get its train of dominance back on track.
Verstappen heads to Suzuka with his championship lead reduced to four points ahead of Charles Leclerc, whose consistency has lifted him above Sergio Perez and team-mate Carlos Sainz. Mercedes’ struggles seem to be worsening as the season goes on, and Toto Wolff, amidst rumours that Sebastian Vettel is interested in a return to F1 with the Silver Arrows, has reversed his decision to skip the Japanese Grand Prix as the team goes into damage limitation mode once again.
When can I watch the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix?
After the early starts of Melbourne, the hours of the Japanese Grand Prix are at least a little more sociable for those of us watching in the United Kingdom. Free Practice 1 kicks off the on-track proceedings on Friday morning at 03:30 (12:30 local) before FP2 gets underway at 07:00 (16:00 local).
Saturday begins with FP3 at 03:30 (12:30 local) before qualifying at 07:00 (16:00 local).
Lights out for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix is at 06:00 UK time (15:00 local) on Sunday 7th April, its first running in a new earlier slot in the calendar following its move away from its traditional timing amid typhoon season.
How to watch the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix
Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to all live coverage of F1 in the UK. Every session of the Japanese Grand Prix will be shown live and uninterrupted on Sky Sports F1.
US viewers can catch all the action on ESPN, and Australian audiences can watch on Kayo Sports. The F1 TV Pro app will also provide coverage of every F1 session across the weekend to several countries the world over.
Which series are supporting at Suzuka?
Neither Formula 2, Formula 3 or F1 Academy will be racing at Suzuka this weekend. F1 is instead to be joined by the Ferrari Challenge Japan and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan series. Both will be running alongside the main event throughout the weekend.
F2 and F3 return at Imola in mid-May, while round two of the F1 Academy season takes place in Miami on 3rd-5th May.
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.
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