The Suzuka Grand Prix in Japan is scheduled for September 22-24, 2023. This Formula One event follows the Singapore Grand Prix and precedes the Qatar Grand Prix in Doha.

A Brief History of the Japan Grand Prix
Since its inception in 1963, the Japan Grand Prix has been a highlight in motorsports. Initially, the races alternated between the Suzuka track and Fuji Speedway. The event first joined the official Formula One calendar in 1976 and 1977, with races at Fuji. From 1986 to 2006, Suzuka International Racing Course became the exclusive venue, and since 2009, it has been the permanent home of the Japan Grand Prix, despite the pause in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Suzuka International Racing Course: A Unique Circuit
Spanning 5.807 kilometers, the Suzuka International Racing Course is known for its distinctive figure-8 layout, the only one of its kind in Formula One. The circuit challenges drivers with its Esses Passage, the Dunlop Curve, and the tricky Degner Curve. Its unpredictable weather adds an extra layer of excitement, making each race a test of skill and strategy.
Record-Breaking Moments at Suzuka
Lewis Hamilton set the fastest race lap record at the Japan Grand Prix in 2019. However, the all-time fastest lap was clocked by Sebastian Vettel in his Ferrari during the 2019 qualifiers. Michael Schumacher remains a legend here, with the most wins and pole positions.
Champions of the Japan Grand Prix
The table of winners highlights champions like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and many others who have conquered this challenging circuit over the years.
Year | Winner | Circuit |
---|---|---|
2022 | Max Verstappen (Red Bull-Renault) | Suzuka |
2021 | No race due to corona pandemic | Suzuka |
2020 | No race due to corona pandemic | Suzuka |
2019 | Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2018 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2017 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2016 | Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2015 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2014 | Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2013 | Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault) | Suzuka |
2012 | Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault) | Suzuka |
2011 | Jenson Button (McLaren-Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2010 | Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault) | Suzuka |
2009 | Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull-Renault) | Suzuka |
2008 | Fernando Alonso (Renault) | Fuji |
2007 | Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) | Fuji |
2006 | Fernando Alonso (Renault) | Suzuka |
2005 | Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren-Mercedes) | Suzuka |
2004 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) | Suzuka |
2003 | Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari) | Suzuka |
2002 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) | Suzuka |
2001 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) | Suzuka |
2000 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) | Suzuka |
1999 | Mika Häkkinen (McLaren-Mercedes) | Suzuka |
1998 | Mika Häkkinen (McLaren-Mercedes) | Suzuka |
1997 | Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) | Suzuka |
1996 | Damon Hill (Williams-Renault) | Suzuka |
1995 | Michael Schumacher (Benetton-Renault) | Suzuka |
1994 | Damon Hill (Williams-Renault) | Suzuka |
1993 | Ayrton Senna (McLaren-Ford) | Suzuka |
1992 | Riccardo Patrese (Williams-Renault) | Suzuka |
1991 | Gerhard Berger (McLaren-Honda) | Suzuka |
1990 | Nelson Piquet (Benetton-Ford) | Suzuka |
1989 | Alessandro Nannini (Benetton-Ford) | Suzuka |
1988 | Ayrton Senna (McLaren-Honda) | Suzuka |
1987 | Gerhard Berger (Ferrari) | Suzuka |
1978-1986 | No Japanese Grand Prix | |
1977 | James Hunt (McLaren-Ford) | Fuji |
1976 | Mario Andretti (Lotus-Ford) | Fuji |
1975 | Masahiro Hasemi (March) | Fuji |
1974 | No Japanese Grand Prix | |
1973 | Motoharu Kurosawa (March) | Fuji |
1972 | John Surtees (Surtees) | Fuji |
1971 | Kuniomi Nagamatsu (Mitsubishi) | Fuji |
1970 | No Japanese Grand Prix | |
1969 | Motoharu Kurosawa (Nissan) | Fuji |
1968 | Moto Kitano (Nissan) | Fuji |
1967 | Tetsu Ikuzawa (Porsche) | Fuji |
1966 | Yoshikazu Sunako (Prince) | Fuji |
1965 | No Japanese Grand Prix | |
1964 | Michael Knight (Brabham) | Suzuka |
1963 | Peter Warr (Lotus-Cosworth) | Suzuka |
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