Japanese Grand Prix F1 stats

Grand Prix info

Races held: 36

First race – 1976 Japanese Grand Prix

Last race: 2022 Japanese Grand Prix

Most wins (driver) – Michael Schumacher (6)

Most wins (constructor) – McLaren (9)

Circuits

Maiden wins

The following drivers took their first Formula 1 victory in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Wins by grid position

Here are the grid positions of every race winner at the Japanese Grand Prix and the number of victories per position.

Title deciders

The Japanese Grand Prix has hosted the following F1 championship title deciders:

Drivers’ title

1. 1976: James Hunt (1st title)
2. 1987: Nelson Piquet (3rd title)
3. 1988: Ayrton Senna (1st title)
4. 1989: Alain Prost (3rd title)
5. 1990: Ayrton Senna (2nd title)
6. 1991: Ayrton Senna (3rd title)
7. 1996: Damon Hill (1st title)
8. 1998: Mika Hakkinen (1st title)
9. 1999: Mika Hakkinen (2nd title)
10. 2000: Michael Schumacher (3rd title)
11. 2003: Michael Schumacher (6th title)
12. 2011: Sebastian Vettel (2nd title)
13. 2022:  Max Verstappen (2nd title)

Constructors’ title

1. 1990: McLaren (6th title)
2. 1995: Benetton (1st title)
3. 1997: Williams (9th title)
4. 1998: McLaren (8th title)
5. 1999: Ferrari (9th title)
6. 2003: Ferrari (13th title)
7. 2016: Mercedes (3rd title)
8. 2019: Mercedes (6th title)

Facts:

The Japanese Grand Prix has been a staple at the Suzuka circuit since 1987, with only two exceptions. Its iconic ‘figure of 8’ layout, featuring the daunting 130R corner, has witnessed numerous unforgettable F1 moments, including pivotal championship showdowns.

The inaugural race, though non-championship, took place at the Suzuka Circuit in 1963, shortly after Honda constructed the track. Over the years, the race alternated between Suzuka and the Fuji Circuit, owned by Toyota. Japan hosted its first F1 world championship round in 1976 at Fuji, remembered for James Hunt’s title victory under treacherous wet conditions, as depicted in the movie Rush. Niki Lauda, his title rival, opted not to risk his life in the perilous weather.

In April 2021, Formula 1 reached a 3-year contract extension with Suzuka Circuit, ensuring the Japanese Grand Prix’s presence on the calendar until at least 2024. The race had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but it returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2022.

Among the drivers, Michael Schumacher boasts the most victories at this circuit, securing six wins. The 2023 grid includes four previous Japanese Grand Prix winners. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most wins among the current field, with four victories at Suzuka.

Mika Hakkinen, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton are the only drivers who have achieved back-to-back wins at the Suzuka track. Michael Schumacher stands alone as the only driver to secure more than two consecutive victories here, achieving a remarkable three-in-a-row from 2000 to 2002.

German driver Sebastian Vettel holds the distinction of a Grand Slam at Suzuka, claiming pole position, leading every lap, and setting the fastest lap en route to victory in the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix.

As for the most podium finishes at Suzuka, that record belongs to Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher, who stood on the podium nine times throughout his amazing Formula 1 career.