Japanese Grand Prix: Race Preview

Ahead of the team’s home race for title partner TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, TGR Haas F1 Team announced a brand new season-long collaboration with TOHO CO., LTD., the home of Godzilla, marking the first-ever collaboration with an entertainment IP in the history of the team. The team showcased a first look at the cooperation, with drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman, and Team Principal Ayao Komatsu revealing a special livery for the Japanese Grand Prix, with the ‘King of Monsters’ proudly adorning the VF-26, at a live event in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.

TGR Haas F1 Team enters the third round of the season having scored points in every race so far in 2026, with Ollie Bearman capturing a top five at the last grand prix in China, to leave TGR Haas F1 Team in fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship on 17 points, one behind reigning champions McLaren.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Japanese Grand Prix, which was first held at the Fuji Speedway in 1976. But while Formula 1 has raced at Fuji on four occasions, the more regular home of the Japanese Grand Prix is Suzuka, a circuit widely acclaimed since it first appeared on the calendar in 1987. Suzuka is the sole figure-of-eight circuit on the Formula 1 calendar, and the circuit slices its way through the Japanese countryside, close to the Pacific coastline, and features multiple high-speed sections and rapid direction changes.

Suzuka’s high-speed nature means a strong and compliant aerodynamic package is crucial, alongside driver confidence in the equipment at their disposal; the long-radius curves, such as the Esses and Spoon, also place high energy loads through the tires, with Pirelli bringing their hardest compounds. Several sections of the track have undergone resurfacing since the 2025 running of the event, while teams and drivers have to remain conscious of the potential for chilly and wet weather, with this year’s Japanese Grand Prix the earliest it has ever been held in the calendar.  

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal:

“The Japanese Grand Prix is another one of our home races, this season returning with our title partner TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, so it's a really big race for us. We’re motivated to carry on the momentum we got from the first two races, and I think the team is working really, really well. Suzuka will pose a very different challenge from Shanghai, but at least so far on two different circuits, we’ve managed to adapt our approach well to get the best out of our car and drivers. Our target in Suzuka is to again focus on the fundamentals and then try to get both cars into point double points, that’s what we’re aiming for.

“I’m also really excited to see all the Japanese fans as we unveil our special Godzilla-themed livery in Tokyo. This collaboration is a first and is truly exciting, it really shows a part of who we are as a team and our identity, so I hope fans enjoy this fun livery.”

Ollie Bearman:

“I love that Japan is another ‘home’ race for TGR Haas F1 Team – it’s the most spectacular city, the fans are so passionate, and for a second year in a row we’re revealing a very special livery. I feel that partnering with Godzilla is something only Haas could do, we do things our way, and it’s really quite something.

“Looking to the track, it’s one of the best circuits in the world. It’s fast, flowing, and you need to be precise. The VF-26 has proven to be a consistent car over the first two races, and the start of this season has been a great one. We need to keep up this momentum heading into April, this team is doing great things right now and we need showcase their hard work on track.”

Esteban Ocon:

"I’m very excited to be back in beautiful Japan and race in Suzuka this weekend. The fans in Japan are always amazing and for me Suzuka is the best circuit on the calendar. The first sector, which is very fast and flowing, is one of the best combinations of corners anywhere. It’s an old-school track where I’ve had some good results in the past so I can’t wait to get going again.

“I know there will be plenty of fans cheering for TGR Haas F1 Team. We also have a cool Godzilla partnership and livery this week, so we’ll be hoping to build up throughout the weekend and leave on Sunday night with a solid haul of points for the team.”