2022 Formula 1: How to watch, stream, preview, TV info for the Japanese Grand Prix
Formula 1 returns to the Suzuka International Racing Course for the Japanese Grand Prix, a track that has crowned 11 drivers since it was added to the calendar in 1987. This is the first time since 2019 that Formula 1 is back in Japan, having missed the previous two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking his first corners in an F1 car there, Suzuka holds a special place in Max Verstappen’s heart, and to win his second Formula 1 title he only needs Japan by a margin of 112 points or more over Ferrari leave Charles Leclerc.
Or will it be his first title? As Racer.com reports, allegations have surfaced that Verstappen’s team Red Bull Racing along with Aston Martin have exceeded budget limits for 2021. Formula 1 was originally scheduled to release its results on Wednesday, but that has now been postponed to Monday, the day after the Japanese Grand Prix.
Any deductible that is less than five percent of the budget cap will be considered a minor breach which teams can then work out with F1 through an Accepted Breach Agreement. Anything over five percent would be considered egregious and the parties involved would have to appear before the Cap Adjudication Panel. The penalties range from a reprimand to the deduction of driver and constructor points to disqualification.
Despite all the speculation, Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner insists they have not exceeded the 2021 budget cap, but with the decision now being pushed back to Monday there will certainly be whispers if Verstappen, Horner and the rest of the Red Bull squad Teams are tracked throughout the weekend.
So, alongside all the regular distractions and noise, Verstappen will also need to find a way to simply focus on Sunday’s title win, which he says will require an effort where everything has to go just right, whether it’s his second is… or his first.
“We need a perfect weekend, that’s for sure,” Verstappen told F1.com. “It would be very nice if it happens here, but if it doesn’t happen here I’m even more for it at the next race. It doesn’t really change anything. You want to have a good weekend and try to do the maximum you can and of course I need a perfect weekend to be able to win the title here but to be honest I don’t worry too much about it.”
How to watch the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix
- Date: Sunday October 9th
- Location: 5.807 kilometers (3.608 miles), Suzuka International Racing Course with 18 corners
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN2
- Electricity: fuboTV (try for free)
What to expect
The fabled Suzuka is a challenging track known for not one, not two, but multiple corners that are considered classics. There’s the downhill first corner and the final chicane before the front straight, both locations made famous by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost clashing as teammates in back-to-back seasons. There’s the spoon. degners The off-camber, curved Double-Apex 130R. Dunlop. Each track would be great with one or two of these, but Suzuka has them all. Legendary.
Like many circuits, Suzuka is a track that punishes you for taking something for granted. Focus will be a premium throughout its 53 rounds.
Depending on the tire compounds Pirelli shows up with, there’s a temptation to attempt a one-stop strategy, but with Suzuka’s high speeds and high G-loads, tire degradation will likely make two stops en route to the finish. Add in the weather – some rain is expected and temperatures should be fairly comfortable, if not chilly, at 70 degrees Fahrenheit – and you have typical Suzuka. Anything can happen over 53 laps.