How to follow Japanese Grand Prix on the BBC

Round three of the 2026 Formula 1 season heads to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, from 27-29 March.

Chinese Grand Prix winner Kimi Antonelli secured his second career pole position on Saturday ahead of Mercedes team-mate George Russell and the McLaren of Oscar Piastri.

The 19-year-old, who became the youngest polesitter in F1 history last time out in China, beat Russell by 0.298 seconds.

Following Suzuka, F1 will have an unplanned five-week break because the conflict in the Middle East caused the cancellations of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Lights out for Sunday's grand prix is at 06:00 BST - after the clocks go forward.

Commentary of the race will be available across BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.

You can also listen by asking most smart speakers to "play BBC Radio 5 Live" or "play BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra".

Make sure to listen to every episode of the Chequered Flag podcast. For the first time this year, the post-race show for every grand prix is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and YouTube.

Times BST

Sunday, 29 March

Race: 06:00 (build-up from 05:30 on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and smart speakers)

The weather is set to stay settled for Sunday's 53-lap race at the iconic Japanese circuit.

The temperature at lights out for round three, which is at 2pm local time, will be 19C and there is zero chance of rain forecast.

It is very early days in the drivers' championship but with only four points separating Russell and team-mate Antonelli at the top, the lead could change hands if the Italian secures back-to-back victories from pole position.

In the constructors' standings, Mercedes dominance so far this year means they are 31 points clear of second-placed Ferrari, with reigning world champions McLaren in third.

Haas are the surprise team in fourth and are five points better off than Red Bull in fifth after two races.