2026 Japanese Grand Prix Guide: How to Watch for Free and Full Session Schedule for Suzuka

Watch the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix for free on Apple TV (US) or Sky Sports (UK). Full schedule and start times for the Suzuka race weekend.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:59 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

Mercedes Dominance Heading into Japan

The 2026 Formula 1 season arrives at the Japanese Grand Prix with Mercedes firmly established as the team to beat. Following back-to-back 1-2 finishes in Australia and China, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have each secured a race victory, placing the Brackley-based squad significantly ahead of their rivals. While Ferrari has shown signs of a resurgence and McLaren continues to grapple with the new technical regulations, Mercedes remains the clear favorite to claim pole position on the high-speed, technical Suzuka layout.

Broadcasting Rights and Free Streaming Options

For the first time in 2026, Apple TV holds the primary broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in the United States. New viewers can take advantage of a seven-day free trial to watch the entire Japanese Grand Prix weekend at no cost. For those who have already utilized their trial, a standard subscription is required to access the live feed. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 remains the exclusive home for all sessions, available as an add-on to existing Sky subscriptions for comprehensive coverage of the practice, qualifying, and race events.

Suzuka Session Schedule: UK Times (GMT)

The Japanese Grand Prix follows a traditional weekend format without a sprint race. Fans in the UK will need to prepare for early morning starts to catch the live action from Suzuka: