Suzuka Circuit is preparing for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix; Large-scale asphalt renewal works have started on the track before the new Formula 1 season.

The Japan circuit has been home to F1 for many years and is considered one of the most difficult and favorite tracks among drivers. High speeds, technical configuration and variable weather conditions have repeatedly made Suzuka the venue for iconic championship moments.

The 2026 stage is scheduled for March 29 and will be the third stage in the season calendar.

The western part of the track, including the iconic Spoon Corner, is now completely closed. A new layer of asphalt was laid, which should change the properties of the coating.

The new surface is expected to have a low level of grip at the beginning of the weekend, but grip will gradually increase as the rubber accumulates; this can significantly affect the cars’ settings.

本日の #西コース路面張替え工事 pic.twitter.com/AbKkyGKgq9

— 鈴鹿サーキット Suzuka Circuit (@suzuka_event) December 27, 2025

Yuki Tsunoda admitted that on the eve of Red Bull’s official decision, he heard rumors that he would retain his place in Formula 1 within the Red Bull system, but the truth turned out to be completely different.

Before the last stage of the season in Abu Dhabi, it was announced that Isak Hajar will replace the Japanese in 2026. Racing Bulls duo will be Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. As a result, Tsunoda will move into the role of Red Bull’s reserve and test driver at the start of the new era.

Tsunoda was informed about the team’s 2026 plans after the Qatar Grand Prix and, according to him, was already mentally preparing for his reserve role. But shortly before the official meeting, he heard completely different information.

“I was told of the decision after the race in Qatar, but it was not taken seriously at first,” Tsunoda said.

“I was prepared for this scenario, but the news was different from what I had heard before, so it surprised me.”

The Japanese also noted that the decision could change at the last minute:

“I heard before the briefing that the whole thing could literally be replayed. There were many reasons for this, of course. But when they told me I wouldn’t have a permanent position next year it didn’t feel like the end of the world.”

“Abu Dhabi was ahead, so I immediately focused on the next race.”

Despite the disappointment of moving to the reserve driver position, the driver hinted that his role at Red Bull could be broader than the standard job of reserve driver.

“There is a possibility that my duty will not be limited to simulator and reserve pilot status,” Tsunoda said.

I’ve already heard a few possible scenarios. “I’ll rest for now and then start preparing for next season.”

Mercedes director of track engineering Andrew Schoulin commented on Lewis Hamilton’s impact on the car’s development a year after his departure.

Hamilton and Mercedes have formed the most successful partnership in F1 history, winning six drivers’ championships and eight constructors’ championships between 2014 and 2021.

But at the end of 2024, the Briton opted to switch to Ferrari, and in 2025 this turned out to be unsuccessful: Hamilton failed to reach the podium in a single Grand Prix.

The 40-year-old champion was replaced by Kimi Antonelli, who made significant progress alongside the experienced George Russell.

With his departure, Hamilton left the team leadership role to Russell. This allowed Antonelli to adapt to F1 without the pressure of being responsible for car feedback, although Shovlin stressed that his communication about the car was of a high standard.

“Honestly, George is fine. The important thing is that we don’t develop the car based solely on what the pilot says,” Shovlin said.

“Most of the work comes from simulations: we look for downforce, the stability of the car, we reduce aerodynamic drag and tune the suspension to ensure the car falls into the best aerodynamic window.

So most decisions are not based on the pilot saying “I need this” and we rush to find a solution. But it is very useful to have a consistent pilot like George. He knows these cars within those rules, so we didn’t have to worry about losing our mark in the development of the car.”

“Kimi also describes the behavior of the car perfectly, so there were no problems in that regard. The main thing is that we had a fantastic collaboration with Lewis and a lot of success, and then he decided to try a new challenge at Ferrari.”

“We always looked at Kimi as the future of the team and a training year was inevitable. We fully embraced that and overall I think it went well.”