Ferrari’s F1 Suzuka drought continues: over two decades without a Japan GP win. Ferrari faces another tough Japanese Grand Prix as Suzuka continues to resist the Scuderia.

The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix poses another significant challenge for Ferrari, a team that has not celebrated victory at Suzuka for more than 20 years. Despite a strong start to the season, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both securing podium finishes in Australia and China while closely challenging the dominant Mercedes cars, the Italian squad faces a track historically unfriendly to the Rosso.

The long Suzuka curse: last Ferrari triumph in 2004

Historically, Ferrari has struggled at the Japanese Grand Prix. The last time the Scuderia stood atop the podium at Suzuka was in 2004, more than two decades ago. Between 2000 and 2004, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello dominated the event, delivering six consecutive victories for the team and cementing Ferrari’s early-2000s legacy at the legendary circuit.

Since then, the Italian outfit has been unable to claim the top step in Japan. Over this 22-year winless period, Lewis Hamilton, who now races for Ferrari, has emerged as a central figure at Suzuka, having captured five wins at the circuit—four with Mercedes and one with McLaren. The 2026 edition of the Japanese Grand Prix presents a prime opportunity for Lewis Hamilton to finally break Ferrari’s long-standing drought at this challenging track.

Suzuka’s unpredictability: strategy and tire management key

While Mercedes currently maintains an edge in the early part of the 2026 season, Suzuka’s unique characteristics mean that nothing is guaranteed. The circuit is known for its high likelihood of race incidents, with the Safety Car deployed in over 60% of past events, highlighting the importance of flexible race strategies. Tire degradation is another critical factor, with most teams expected to adopt a two-stop strategy to maintain optimal performance over the 53-lap race distance.

For Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, maximizing the performance of the Ferrari SF-26 while avoiding mistakes will be essential to contend with both historical pressure and the unpredictable nature of Suzuka. Success this weekend would not only add to their championship credentials but could also mark a significant milestone by ending Ferrari’s prolonged struggle in Japan.

While Ferrari enters Suzuka with confidence from their early-season form, breaking a two-decade-long winless streak will require a flawless combination of driver skill, strategy, and reliability. Every corner, every pit stop, and every tire choice will count toward reversing the Japanese Grand Prix curse.