After second practice turned into a non-event thanks to rain, all signs point to an intense and unpredictable qualifying session at Suzuka.
Formula 1 articles archive
The Formula 1 world championship began in 1950 and is considered the world’s leading form of single-seater motorsport. The 2024 F1 season is the 75th time the world championship has been held.
A world drivers’ champion has been crowned every year since the series began. Since 1958 a world constructors’ championship title has also been awarded.
The most successful F1 drivers in history are seven-times world champions Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. In 2021 the former became the first and so far only driver to date to win 100 grands prix.
While Schumacher retired from F1 at the end of 2012, Hamilton continues to race. His rival world champions in the series are Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso.
There are 10 teams active in the championship, each of which field cars for two drivers. Each team is required to design and build the majority of its cars but may source some parts including engines, gearboxes and certain other components.
Ferrari has won the F1 constructors’ championship more times than any other team, with 16 titles. It is also the only team which has competed in every championship since the first season of Formula 1.
The Formula 1 calendar typically runs from March to November each year. Pre-season tests take place in February and March, and a post-season test is usually scheduled for late November or December.
A championship now includes over three times as many rounds as early seasons did. Seven rounds counted towards the first world championship – including the Indianapolis 500, despite it being run to different rules – but a record-breaking 24 races are scheduled on the 2024 F1 calendar. The series visits Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia. It has not raced in Africa since 1993.
Two organisations are responsible for running F1. The Federation Internazionale de l’Automobile (FIA), based in Paris, France, administers and governs the sport. Its commercial rights are leased to Formula 1 Management (FOM) which was purchased by the US-based Liberty Media in 2017.
Index of F1 articles on RaceFans:
Hamilton blames deleted rule as drivers call lack of running “a shame for fans”
Formula 1
Posted onFormula 1 drivers sympathised with fans at Suzuka who saw little running after rain fell during practice on Friday.
Ricciardo frustrated after covering just nine laps, but encouraged by pace
Formula 1
Posted onDaniel Ricciardo admits it was frustrating for him to miss out on any meaningful running during the opening day of practice at Suzuka.
Pictures: Alpine’s new front wing and more Suzuka updates
Formula 1
Posted onAlpine have had the slowest car so far this year but aim to start improving it with a revised front wing and other new parts this weekend.
Mercedes expand F1 test programme for Antonelli but ‘not discounting’ Vettel
Formula 1
Posted onMercedes will give more Formula 1 testing opportunities to its junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who is a candidate for the seat Lewis Hamilton will vacate in 2025.
Sargeant blames crash on “a visual error”, not pushing too hard
Formula 1
Posted onWilliams driver Logan Sargeant admits his crash in the opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix was due to a “silly” error.
Hamilton excited after “best session we’ve had this year” in practice
Formula 1
Posted onLewis Hamilton was encouraged by Mercedes’ performance in the first day of practice for the Japanese Grand Prix.
Piastri quickest as seven drivers sit out damp second practice session
Formula 1
Posted onFormula 1 drivers did little meaningful running in the second practice session at Suzuka as damp conditions meant they covered few if any laps.
Pictures: Red Bull bring first performance upgrade for RB20
Formula 1
Posted onRed Bull have brought a package of upgrades for their RB20 at the Japanese Grand Prix in a bid to resume their winning ways.
2024 Japanese Grand Prix practice in pictures
F1 Pictures
Posted onPictures from the first day of practice for the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.
Verstappen quickest as Sargeant crashes in opening practice session
Formula 1
Posted onRed Bull set the pace in the opening practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, while Logan Sargeant suffered a heavy crash in his Williams.
Leclerc to wear Bianchi tribute helmet marking 10 years since his crash
Formula 1
Posted onCharles Leclerc will wear a special helmet this weekend in tribute to Jules Bianchi, who died following a crash in the Japanese Grand Prix 10 years ago.
Ricciardo’s underwhelming results are “a little bit weird to comprehend”
Formula 1
Posted onDaniel Ricciardo is bemused by his failure to score a strong result over the first three races of 2024, after his team mate claimed his first points in Australia.
Sainz raised concerns over Melbourne’s turn six trouble spot in drivers’ meeting
Formula 1
Posted onCarlos Sainz Jnr says the Albert Park corner where George Russell and Alexander Albon crashed needs to be revised.
Suzuka debut 10 years ago felt “intimidating” – Verstappen
Formula 1
Posted onMax Verstappen recalled feeling “intimidated” by his first experience of Suzuka when he made his debut in a Formula 1 practice session 10 years ago.
Suzuka could see first wet F1 race of 2024
Formula 1
Posted onThere is a strong chance this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix will be the first wet grand prix of the 2024 season based on current forecasts.
Alonso calls Australian GP penalty a ‘one-off I’ve had too many of’
Formula 1
Posted onFernando Alonso does not agree with his Australian Grand Prix penalty, which he described as a “one-off” decision by the stewards.
Flashes of performance shows Mercedes’ potential is real – Hamilton
Formula 1
Posted onLewis Hamilton is convinced Mercedes’ W15 has real potential but says the team must work out how to unlock it.
Sargeant sure Williams have faith in him despite being benched in Melbourne
Formula 1
Posted onLogan Sargeant says he is sure Williams are confidence in his ability despite the team leaving him without a drive in Australia.
Sainz eager to “speed up” talks over 2025 seat after win
Formula 1
Posted onCarlos Sainz Jnr says he hopes to secure a seat on the 2025 grid “sooner rather than later” following his Australian Grand Prix win.