2026 Japanese GP: Antonelli on Pole, Pérez at the Back

After the race at the Suzuka Circuit, Formula 1 will resume its activities on May 1st with the Miami GP. In this context, Mercedes will seek to solidify its good momentum, especially after Kimi Antonelli was crowned at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, while George Russell remains the championship leader. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) will attempt to make a comeback from the middle of the grid, after reporting problems with his car during qualifying, which left him out of Q3. 2026 Japanese GP: What time does 'Checo' Pérez race? Due to the time difference, the Japanese Grand Prix can be followed from Mexico during the night of Saturday, March 28, 2026; so get ready not to sleep early. Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026 Time: 11:00 PM (Central Mexico Time) Venue: Suzuka Circuit Sergio 'Checo' Pérez arrives in Suzuka after a discreet start to his return to Formula 1 with Cadillac, finishing in 16th and 15th positions in Australia and China, respectively. The Japanese layout represents a new test in his adaptation process, in a season start conditioned by technical changes that have reconfigured the performance of the cars. F1 LIVE: Where to watch the Japanese GP from Mexico? The Japanese Grand Prix race is broadcast on two platforms in Mexico, where you can access updates, analysis, and full coverage of the event: Sky Sports F1 (pay TV) F1 TV (official subscription streaming) If you cannot access these broadcasts, you can follow lap-by-lap updates on our website El Financiero Deportes. 'Checo' at the 2026 Japanese GP: What was the starting grid? Q1 developed without incidents, but it eliminated Sergio 'Checo' Pérez, who failed to get out of the elimination zone and will start from 19th position. With Kimi Antonelli on pole position, George Russell aiming to stay at the top of the constructors' championship, and Sergio 'Checo' Pérez seeking to improve his results with Cadillac, the third round of the 2026 F1 season begins: the Japanese Grand Prix. This race is the last before a long mandatory break, after the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix were suspended for international security reasons. Alongside him on the grid will be George Russell, completing the Mercedes 1-2, while Piastri will start from third position. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) George Russell (Mercedes) Oscar Piastri (McLaren) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) Lando Norris (McLaren) Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) Pierre Gasly (Alpine) Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) Max Verstappen (Red Bull) Esteban Ocon (Haas) Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) Franco Colapinto (Alpine) Carlos Sainz (Williams) Alex Albon (Williams) Oliver Bearman (Haas) Sergio Pérez (Cadillac) Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) What is the Suzuka Circuit for the 2026 Japanese GP? The Suzuka Circuit is not only one of the most iconic venues in Formula 1, but also one of the most demanding on the calendar. The situation was even more complicated for his teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished last in 20th position. In Q2, Oscar Piastri (McLaren) surprised by momentarily taking the lead; however, Kimi Antonelli ultimately set the fastest lap to impose his conditions. The key moment came at the end of the session, when Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) improved his time and knocked Max Verstappen out of Q3, who described his car as uncontrollable. In Q3, without any issues, Antonelli sealed a dominant performance to secure pole position. Since its debut in Formula 1 in 1987, this track has been the scene of historical championship deciders and has established itself as a true 'driver's circuit'. Its characteristic 'figure-eight' design — unique in the category — combines high-speed sections with technical areas that force drivers to balance precision and aggression. With a length of 5.807 km and a total of 53 laps, the Japanese Grand Prix covers a distance of 307.4 km over 18 corners. Among the most iconic are the esses in the first sector, the challenging Spoon, and the extremely fast 130R, points where aerodynamic load and driver confidence make the difference. Tire wear is another key factor in Suzuka, so hard compounds (C1, C2, and C3) are planned for a track that constantly punishes.