A gloves-off Mercedes fight and Ferrari under threat from McLaren – What To Watch For in the Japanese Grand Prix

Chris Medland picks out five key things to keep an eye on when the lights go out on race day at Suzuka.

Mar 28, 2026 9:46am UTC

From the developing Mercedes battle to McLaren closing the gap, and from the racing on an iconic track to some experienced heads chasing down new talents, here are five things to look out for when Sunday’s race gets underway at Suzuka…

1. A gloves-off Mercedes fight

Fresh from becoming the youngest driver to start from pole position for a Grand Prix in Formula 1 history last time out in China, Kimi Antonelli delivered again in Qualifying to make it back-to-back poles.