5 Amazing Moments at the Japanese Grand Prix
When it comes to iconic Formula 1 venues, few circuits deliver as consistently as Suzuka. Whether it’s title-deciding drama, legendary rivalries, or last-lap heroics, the Japanese Grand Prix has been the site of some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments. Here are five that stand out across the decades — the kind of moments that remind us why we love F1.
For Tickets and Package Deals Please Click Here
1. The 1976 Showdown: Hunt vs. Lauda in the Rain at Fuji
WATCH: "Where did you first meet Dad"? James Hunt's son, Freddie interviews Niki Lauda >> http://t.co/JcNnc5cSrs pic.twitter.com/IzLMRjT5Uq
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 2, 2015
It was the first-ever Japanese Grand Prix, and already a title decider. Niki Lauda, miraculously back in the car just weeks after nearly dying at the Nürburgring, entered the final race with a narrow lead over James Hunt. But the weather at Fuji Speedway was torrential — borderline undriveable. Lauda chose safety, pulling out after just two laps. Hunt, meanwhile, pushed through the chaos, suffering a late-race tire issue that nearly cost him everything. But he managed to claw back to third place, earning just enough points to clinch his first and only World Championship by a single point. A wild, rain-soaked finish to one of the most dramatic seasons in Formula 1 history.
2. Senna’s Japanese Grand Prix Masterclass and First Title in 1988
By 1988, Suzuka had replaced Fuji as Japan’s Formula 1 home, and Ayrton Senna arrived with a chance to seal his first World Championship. But a poor start from pole saw him drop to 14th. What followed was pure Senna magic. As a brief rain shower passed through, the Brazilian surged through the field, picking off cars with surgical precision. His move on teammate Alain Prost on Lap 28 sealed the deal — not just for the race, but for the title. It was the first of Senna’s three World Championships, and a performance that helped cement his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
3. Senna vs. Prost – Suzuka Turns into a Battlefield (1989 & 1990)
Two icons. Two championships. Two controversial collisions.
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 1, 2024
The tale of Ayrton Senna 🆚 Alain Prost – and their duels at Suzuka in 1998 and 1990 – are nothing short of legendary#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/c0Bg6SOPWM
The Senna-Prost rivalry hit peak controversy in Japan — not once, but twice.
In 1989, with Prost leading the race and the championship on the line, Senna dove down the inside at the chicane on Lap 46. The two collided, locked wheels, and came to a stop. Prost retired. Senna got a push-start, rejoined, and went on to win — only to be disqualified after the race for cutting the chicane. The championship was handed to Prost amid a firestorm of protest and political intrigue.
Then came 1990, and Senna was out for revenge. This time, it was Prost in a Ferrari and Senna on pole — but controversially placed on the dirtier side of the track. Prost got the better launch, but Senna lunged into Turn 1 and the pair collided again, this time taking each other out instantly. The crash meant the championship was Senna’s, but the method left the sport divided. Two years. Two clashes. Two legends. And a rivalry that still echoes today.
4. Kamui Kobayashi’s Dream Podium in 2012
Kamui Kobayashi became the third Japanese driver to score a podium in front of a home crowd at the 2012 Grand Prix! 🙌 🇯🇵#F1 #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/sN117GVSeR
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 3, 2024
Japanese drivers have had a tough time reaching the top in Formula 1, but in 2012, Suzuka belonged to Kamui Kobayashi. Driving for Sauber, Kobayashi qualified third and ran at the front all race long. But the final laps were tense — with Jenson Button breathing down his neck, the home crowd held its breath. Kobayashi didn’t flinch. He crossed the line in third place, becoming the first Japanese driver to stand on the Suzuka podium since Aguri Suzuki in 1990. The crowd went absolutely wild, chanting his name in what became one of the most emotional podium celebrations in recent memory.
5. Kimi Räikkönen’s Last-Lap Heroics in 2005
The 2005 Japanese Grand Prix was pure chaos — and Kimi Räikkönen was its quiet assassin. After a poor qualifying session, the McLaren driver started 17th. But by the final lap, he had carved through the field with raw speed and relentless aggression. His final move? A bold sweep around the outside of Giancarlo Fisichella at Turn 1 — a jaw-dropping pass to take the lead on the final lap. From 17th to 1st. It remains one of the greatest comeback drives in Formula 1 history, and a shining example of Kimi’s ice-cold brilliance.
Whether it’s championship glory, controversial clashes, or national pride, the Japanese Grand Prix has delivered some of the most incredible moments in Formula 1. And with Suzuka’s fast corners, unpredictable weather, and passionate fans, there’s every reason to expect more history will be made in the years to come.
Most Successful Drivers at the Japanese Grand Prix
When it comes to Suzuka supremacy, these drivers have left their mark:
- Michael Schumacher – 6 wins (1995, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004)
- Lewis Hamilton – 5 wins (2007, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018)
- Sebastian Vettel – 4 wins (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013)
- Max Verstappen – 3 wins (2022, 2023, 2024)
Each brought something different — from Schumacher’s relentless precision to Verstappen’s recent dominance — but all conquered one of the sport’s most technical and demanding tracks.
Most Successful Constructors at the Japanese Grand Prix
Some teams just have a knack for getting it right at Suzuka:
- McLaren – 9 wins
- Ferrari – 7 wins
- Red Bull Racing – 7 wins
- Mercedes – 6 wins
