Japan GP: YT in Red Bull

Dear F1 Fans!

The Formula 1 circus rolls into Suzuka this weekend with the highly anticipated 2025 Japanese Grand Prix. Also stay up to date with the latest Red Bull driver shake-up (Read Below).

SUZUKA INTERNATIONAL RACING COURSE

• Length: 5.807 km, featuring iconic S Curves and 130R

• Race Distance: 53 laps (307.471 km)

• Design Inspiration: Figure-eight layout (the only one in F1!)

⏱️ WEEKEND SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE The action kicks off Friday with practice sessions followed by Qualifying, building up to Sunday's main event:

• Friday, April 4:

  • Free Practice 1 – 11:30 local / 03:30 GMT / 11:30PM EDT (Thursday)

  • Free Practice 2 – 15:00 local / 07:00 GMT / 3:00AM EDT

• Saturday, April 5:

  • Free Practice 3 – 11:30 local / 03:30 GMT / 11:30PM EDT (Friday)

  • Qualifying – 15:00 local / 07:00 GMT / 3:00AM EDT

• Sunday, April 6:

  • RACE START – 14:00 local / 06:00 GMT / 2:00AM EDT

🏆 2024 SUZUKA RESULTS

• 1st: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

• 2nd: Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

• 3rd: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

• 4th: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

• 5th: Lando Norris (McLaren)

🏎️ TIRE TACTICS

• Compound Selection: Pirelli brings C1, C2, and C3 compounds

• Degradation Alert: High-speed corners put extreme stress on tires!

• Key Challenge: Balancing setup for fast flowing sections vs technical complex

👀 WHAT TO WATCH Keep an eye on these storylines this weekend:

• 🇯🇵 Tsunoda's Home Debut: First Japanese driver in a top team racing at Suzuka!

• 🏆 Championship Battle: Can McLaren extend their lead or will Red Bull strike back?

• 🔧 Ferrari Recovery: Will they bounce back from Chinese GP disqualifications?

🏆 FAST FACTS

• Most Wins (Driver): Michael Schumacher (6)

• Most Wins (Team): Ferrari (7)

• First Race: 1987, won by Gerhard Berger (Ferrari)

• Capacity: 155,000 spectators

💥 RED BULL SHAKEUP Yuki Tsunoda has been promoted to Red Bull's senior team after Liam Lawson's demotion following just two races. This represents a historic opportunity for Japanese motorsport, but the pressure is immense—previous second drivers have struggled alongside Verstappen.

Former Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez, who departed at the end of 2024, has backed Tsunoda for success while revealing he's considering a 2026 return with potential new entry Cadillac—but only if the project meets his career goals.

As teams finalize their preparations, we'll be bringing you comprehensive coverage throughout the weekend, from technical analysis to paddock whispers and everything in between.

🔥 CHINESE GP RECAP McLaren dominated with a stunning 1-2 finish in Shanghai! Oscar Piastri claimed his second career victory ahead of teammate Lando Norris, with George Russell completing the podium for Mercedes. Championship implications? HUGE! Verstappen limited damage with P4, but the real drama came after the checkered flag with FOUR disqualifications:

• Both Ferraris (Leclerc and Hamilton) DSQ'd for technical infringements 😱

• Gasly also disqualified

• Rookie sensations shine: Antonelli P6, Bearman P8, Hadjar and Doohan in the points!

— F1 Insider