Formula 1 had a last-minute change at the 2026 Japanese GP, with the FIA confirming the postponement of the start due to safety concerns. The delay was caused by damage to the barriers at the Suzuka circuit following an accident in a support category.
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The decision was made to ensure adequate conditions before the start of the race. As a result, the start underwent a small adjustment to the original schedule.
Initially scheduled for 14h local time, the formation lap will now take place at 14h10. The change represents a ten-minute delay compared to the original plan.
According to an official statement from the FIA, the measure was necessary due to ongoing work at turn 12. “The start of the formation lap will be delayed due to barrier repairs following an incident in a support category,” the entity informed.
The accident that prompted the intervention was significant, with a car even going over the track protection in that area. Because of this, the organization chose to carry out full repairs before clearing the circuit.
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The priority was to ensure the safety of the Formula 1 drivers, as Suzuka is a high-speed track and requires ideal protection conditions at all points.
With the delay confirmed, the expectation is that the race will proceed normally after the repairs are completed. The change in time should not impact the teams’ strategy, but it reinforces the importance of safety conditions at the event.
On track, Kimi Antonelli starts on pole position, with George Russell alongside him, in a front row completely dominated by Mercedes. Both drivers arrive with momentum and are seeking their second victory of the season.
The race at Suzuka promises an intense battle, now with a small delay at the start, but with total focus on safety before the official start of the Japanese GP.
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