Formula 1 has announced that the Japanese Grand Prix will remain on the calendar at Suzuka until at least 2029 following the signing of a new five-year contract extension.
One of the most popular tracks on the Formula 1 calendar is set to remain on the schedule for a further five years following the signing of a new contract extension. Suzuka, the only figure of eight track which Formula 1 visits, first hosted the Japanese Grand Prix in 1987.
Quickly earning its place in F1 folklore as the scene of memorable title deciders, Suzuka has hosted the Japanese Grand Prix on 33 occasions since its 1987 debut. Attendance figures at the track have surged since the Japanese Grand Prix made its return to the calendar following the coronavirus pandemic. Last year’s race was attended by 222,000 – the highest weekend attendance figure at Suzuka since 2006.
Japanese Grand Prix on the Calendar Until 2029
2024 was set to be the final year of the latest contract signed by Formula 1 and Japanese Grand Prix organisers. The last contract was signed amid the race’s hiatus, in April 2021. The new contract extension lasts for a period of five years, from the 2025 season through to 2029.
Suzuka was one of two circuits whose contract expired in 2024. The other is Silverstone, host of the British Grand Prix. News on a longer-term deal for the British track is expected in advance of this year’s race, which takes place in early July.
The news of Suzuka’s contract extension comes amid rumours that Osaka was set to bid to become the new host of the Japanese Grand Prix. Reports first emerged in January, just after F1 signed a deal with a street circuit in Madrid to become the new host of the Spanish Grand Prix from 2026.
A New Slot For the Japanese Grand Prix in 2024
The Japanese Grand Prix moves to a new slot on the Formula 1 calendar in 2024. The event is usually held in September or October but moves to April this year. The race will take place between the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix.
Speaking about the new contract, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted the promoter’s willingness to move to an earlier date in the season in a bid for greater sustainability within the sport:
“Suzuka is a special circuit and part of the fabric of the sport, so I am delighted that F1 will continue to race there until at least 2029. As we prepare to return to Japan earlier than usual this season, l would like to express my huge gratitude to the promoter and team at Honda MobilityLand for supporting our effort towards greater calendar rationalisation as we look to make the sport more sustainable. Our fans in Japan embrace Formula 1 with a unique passion and we look forward to working with the promoter to give fans the experience they deserve for years to come.”
It’s the second time that F1 has raced in Japan in April, having previously staged the 1994 Pacific Grand Prix – at the Aida circuit – early in the 1994 season. The 2024 Japanese Grand Prix will be the fourth race of the season on April 5-7.
2024 Japanese Grand Prix Tickets Still Available
Tickets for this year’s Suzuka race have once again been in high demand. A selection of grandstand seats remain available in our ticket shop, with prices for three-day tickets beginning at just over €120. Premium ticket packages from F1 Experiences are also on sale.
