Japanese Grand Prix Picks, Odds & Preview (Mar 29)

The final Formula 1 race before an enforced break due to the conflict in the Middle East is set for the last weekend in March, as the iconic Suzuka Circuit hosts the typically thrilling Japanese Grand Prix. Find the odds and our picks for the race here.

Odds

Japanese Grand Prix Recent Winners

Japanese Grand Prix: Event Information

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Event Preview

The third round of the exciting Formula 1 season for 2026 is set for Suzuka, as the Japanese Grand Prix forms the final race for five weeks due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The race will see drivers complete a total distance of 307.471 km, which is made up of 53 laps.

It has been a dominant start to the new season following the regulation chances for Mercedes. George Russell won the opening race of the season in Australia, before Kimi Antonelli became a first-time race winner with success in China. The dominance of the Mercedes was clear, with third-place Lewis Hamilton finishing 25 seconds behind the eventual winner.

However, the race in China once again showcased the Ferrari pace off the line, with Hamilton taking the lead on the first lap. But, the race pace of the Mercedes is too much for the Ferrari pair of Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at this stage of the season.

China was another miserable weekend for two of the other top teams, with neither of the McLarens starting the race. Max Verstappen also failed to finish the race due to an electrical issue.

That is giving opportunities to teams in the middle of the pack, with Haas driver Oliver Bearman taking fourth, and Alpine enjoying a double points finish with Pierre Gasly taking sixth and Franco Colapinto claiming tenth.

Japanese Grand Prix Picks

The Mercedes dominance looks unlikely to end in Japan, as the Suzuka track will play to their strengths. Therefore, a second race win of the season for George Russell looks like the standout betting angle.