2026 Japanese Grand Prix: timetable and where to watch
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated weekends of the early Formula 1 season, with Suzuka returning as Round 3 on March 27--29, 2026. Formula 1's official event page confirms the race will take place on Sunday, March 29, with the Grand Prix scheduled to start at 14:00 local time at Suzuka.
For fans around the world, the key questions are always the same: what time is each session, and where can you watch it legally in your country? The good news is that Formula 1 has already published the full local timetable for the Japanese Grand Prix, and its official broadcast guide also lists the current territory-by-territory rights holders for the championship.
2026 Japanese Grand Prix timetable
The main F1 sessions are scheduled as follows in local time (JST / UTC+9):
- First Practice on Friday, March 27 from 11:30 to 12:30
- Second Practice on Friday from 15:00 to 16:00
- Third Practice on Saturday, March 28 from 11:30 to 12:30
- Qualifying on Saturday from 15:00 to 16:00
- Grand Prix on Sunday, March 29 from 14:00 to 16:00.
How to check the Japanese Grand Prix time in your country
For international fans, the easiest option is to download the Formula Live Pulse app, where the full Japanese Grand Prix weekend schedule is already shown in the user's local timezone. Instead of manually converting JST to your local time, you can open the app and immediately see when each session starts where you are.
That is especially useful for Suzuka because this is one of those Formula 1 weekends where session times can fall very early in the morning or late at night depending on your region.
Where to watch the Japanese Grand Prix
For a global audience, the most reliable answer is the official one: Formula 1 maintains a dedicated broadcast information page listing the current rights holders by territory and advising fans to consult local listings for exact coverage details. That page is the best starting point if you want to know where to watch the Japanese Grand Prix legally in your country.
The exact broadcaster depends on where you live. Formula 1's official broadcaster pages show that coverage varies by market, which is why any worldwide "where to watch" guide needs to stay flexible rather than point to one single answer for everyone.
Can you watch the Japanese Grand Prix on F1 TV?
In many countries, yes. Formula 1's official F1 TV pages say the service offers live coverage of every F1 session, plus onboard cameras, live team radio, live timing, and additional content depending on the plan and territory. Formula 1 also notes that replay availability and subscription options vary by market, while its location-availability help page lets fans check what is offered in their country.
That means F1 TV can be one of the easiest ways to watch the Japanese Grand Prix if it is available where you live, but it is not a universal one-size-fits-all answer. Availability depends on both your resident country and the country you are in at the time of subscribing, according to Formula 1's subscription page.
Can you watch the Japanese Grand Prix on Apple TV?
Yes, if you are based in the United States. Apple TV is the new U.S. home of Formula 1, with complete live coverage of every Grand Prix, including practice, qualifying and Sprint sessions, all available through an Apple TV subscription.
That means readers in the U.S. can watch the Japanese Grand Prix on Apple TV, including the full race weekend rather than just the main event. Apple also says the service is available on Apple devices, as well as Android, smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and on the web at tv.apple.com, which makes it a practical option for viewers who do not use Apple hardware.
Watch the Japanese Grand Prixâ„¢ on Apple TV
Best way to avoid missing the Japanese Grand Prix
The simplest approach is checking the session times in the Formula Live Pulse app, where they are already converted into your local timezone. That removes the usual friction around a Japan-based race weekend and makes it much easier to follow the action from anywhere in the world.
For viewing, the safest path is to check either your local official broadcaster or F1 TV availability in your country. That combination gives fans a practical, accurate way to plan the whole weekend without relying on outdated listings or unofficial sources.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.