Formula 1 to race in Japan until 2029 after new five-year extension

Formula 1 has announced a five-year extension with the Japanese Grand Prix that will see the iconic Suzuka Circuit remain on the F1 calendar until 2029 inclusive.

The high-speed, 18-corner Suzuka Circuit is a favourite of drivers and fans alike, with the iconic ’S’ Curves and 130R amongst the highlights at what is one of F1’s most celebrated tracks. Suzuka has played host to many memorable moments in Formula 1, with 12 drivers’ championships settled there, including most recently in 2022 when Max Verstappen sealed his second consecutive title.

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In 2024, the Japanese Grand Prix will move to a new slot in April – between races in Australia and China – as part of F1’s efforts to rationalise its calendar, creating a more efficient flow of races and reducing the distance that freight travels around the world as part of its journey to become net zero carbon by 2030.

This new slot will also see Formula 1 visit Japan during the world-famous cherry blossom season, offering fans the opportunity to take in fantastic racing and see one of earth’s most iconic natural spectacles.

Last year’s Japanese Grand Prix was attended by 222,000 passionate fans across the race weekend, up from 200,000 in 2022. It also saw more than 20,000 people attend the first ever F1 Fan Festival in downtown Tokyo, with appearances by drivers including Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Esteban Ocon and hometown hero Yuki Tsunoda.

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said of the announcement: “Suzuka is a special circuit and part of the fabric of the sport, so I am delighted that F1 will continue to race there until at least 2029.

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“As we prepare to return to Japan earlier than usual this season, I would like to express my huge gratitude to the promoter and team at Honda MobilityLand for supporting our effort towards greater calendar rationalisation as we look to make the sport more sustainable.

"Our fans in Japan embrace Formula 1 with a unique passion and we look forward to working with the promoter to give fans the experience they deserve for years to come.”

Tsuyoshi Saito, President and Representative Director of Honda Mobilityland Corporation, added: “I am pleased that we will be able to continue hosting the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit from 2025 onwards. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Stefano Domenicali and other related Formula 1 members.

“We aim to create a sustainable future and currently we are preparing to welcome many fans for the 2024 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April, the first time the event will be held in the spring season.

"We will continue to work together with the local communities and government agencies, including Mie Prefecture and Suzuka City, so that Suzuka can continue to be loved by fans around the world and contribute to the prosperity of motorsports culture and industrial development.”