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Tyres NorthamptonA thrilling end to Singapore set the stage for must-see viewing across all three days, with the storylines of Red Bull's revenge, Carlos Sainz starting a streak, and Pirelli testing tyres all to come.
Japan is always a popular stop in the paddock, with drivers loving the fast, flowing track that is the only figure-of-eight venue F1 visits on its calendar. Fans, too, view Suzuka as one of the better racing circuits that creates overtaking possibilities and punishes drivers who push the limit. It's always worth the early-morning alarm.
Red Bull Racing could take the World Constructors' Championship crown at the end of Sunday's running at the same track where Max Verstappen's title-winning race came last year. To do so, they must outscore Mercedes by a single point and not let Ferrari close the gap in the standings. With so many rounds to go, it's inevitable that Red Bull will win — how soon is the only question remaining.
Somewhat aptly for a country known for its technological advancement, Japan offers a glimpse into F1's future. Pirelli will bring an updated version of the C2 tyre for the teams to test on Friday in FP1 and FP2, which the Italian manufacturer intends to homologate for 2024. A similar test came at the 2022 race weekend, but wet weather prevented any representative running. Thankfully, the forecast looks far drier for 2023's Friday.
Aside from brand-new C2 tyres, the teams will run three of Pirelli's hardest compounds this weekend. The C1, C2, and C3 will cater to the demanding characteristics of the 5.8-kilometre track.
The figure-of-eight layout creates a unique challenge in load on the wheels, thanks to a relatively even number of right-hand and left-hand corners, causing tyre wear on both sides. Managing tyre life will be pivotal. This C1-C2-C3 trio is similar to last year's selection, but 2022's C1 became this year's 2023 C0.
We knew Verstappen was beatable in 2023, but only his teammate, Sergio Perez, had toppled the Dutchman until Singapore. Sainz now has two consecutive pole positions and became the first non-Red Bull victor of the year, so the Spaniard will look to continue his impressive form. Whether that's possible in Japan is another story, however.
The close running of the leading teams will see Ferrari fighting with Mercedes and McLaren again. However, Red Bull shouldn't be so far off their rivals and will either join the scrap or resume their winning ways. The RB19 had an off weekend in Singapore, but it doesn't mean it's suddenly not the best-in-field car of 2023.
Elsewhere, it's worthwhile shouting out to two rookies heading to their maiden Japanese Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri, fresh from a sizeable contract extension, will benefit from the McLaren upgrades that debuted in Singapore. Lando Norris took P2 with the redeveloped car, so Piastri will hope to rejoin the leading positions on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson has already raced Suzuka in 2023, during his Super Formula championship — Japan's leading single-seater series — where he currently sits P2 in the standings. AlphaTauri also brought upgrades to Singapore, so combining those with local knowledge might help the Kiwi score further points in just his fourth F1 race.
Get your coffee and alarm clocks ready because Japan is an early start. The race kicks off at 6 AM on Sunday, with Qualifying at a marginally less repulsive 7 AM on Saturday.
Qualifying – On air: 6 AM, Session start: 7 AM Saturday 23rd September
Race – On air: 4:30 AM, Session start: 6 AM Sunday 24th September
Qualifying – Highlights 11:10 PM Saturday 23rd September
Race – Highlights 12:30 PM Sunday 24th September
Qualifying/Race – Clear skies and sunshine should greet the drivers in both competitive sessions. Forecasts have highs of 30°C over the weekend, with low chances of rain in the area.
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