Suzuka – F1’®s Most Legendary Circuit

It’s 11 a.m. in London, and as we all absorb the news that Liam Lawson is out of the famous Red Bull Racing seat alongside four-time world champion Max Verstappen, and Yuki Tsunoda is in, it's now FIA official. 

Now that it is official, it’s time to get behind Red Bull’s new decision and recognise that this year’s Japanese Grand Prix will be electric. A Japanese driver in a world-class Red Bull Racing seat, with the potential for a podium at Suzuka, is enormous for Japan, Formula One® and the fanatical race fans.

We at Senate Grand Prix appreciate that there’s something special about the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, so we have put together a corner-by-corner chronology of the track and its most critical technical corners and overtaking opportunities. This historical race circuit was built in 1962 as a Honda car manufacturing test facility; it remains the only figure-eight layout on the F1® calendar and one of the most challenging circuits in the world. 

Suzuka is a historical race track and offers speed sequences, technical fast braking zones, and razor-thin overtaking opportunities; Suzuka is a driver’s favourite where every corner and every DRS zone counts — and here’s how Senate HQ conveys each race corner.

First Curve & Second Curve (Turns 1 & 2)

The first two corners at Suzuka come at you fast. After the long start/finish straight, drivers dive into Turn 1 — a sweeping right-hander—lifting the accelerator only slightly before immediately transitioning into the tighter Turn, watching in both wing mirrors for opportunists.

S-Curves (Turns 3 to 7)

The world-famous S-Curves are where great laps are built — or destroyed. A fast, flowing series of left-right-left-right-left, it’s like threading a needle at high speed.

Dunlop Curve (Turn 7)

As the S-Curves fade, the track sweeps uphill into the long, fast left-hander known as Dunlop. It’s blind, it’s quick, and the car wants to drift wide. Full commitment is needed.

Degner Curves (Turns 8 & 9)

Two incredibly tough right-handers. Turn 8 is fast and tight with an inside curb that can launch the car — blink and you’re in the gravel. Immediately after, Turn 9 demands a hard brake and a clean line under heavy compression. It’s easy to lock up here. These corners look simple on paper, but they regularly catch even the best out.

Hairpin (Turn 11)

After a short straight, drivers slam on the brakes into one of the slowest corners on the track. It's a tight left-hander with a steep approach. There’s potential for overtaking here, especially on worn tires, but wheelspin on exit can ruin your launch into the next straight. Patience is key.

200R (Turn 12)

A smooth, fast right-hander that’s taken flat in dry conditions. It’s not a big overtaking opportunity, but it sets you up for the infamous Spoon Curve. Positioning here affects your entire run down the back straight. Clean input, no drama — prepare for what’s next.

Spoon Curve (Turns 13 & 14)

Spoon is a double-apex left-hander and one of the trickiest corners in F1®. The first part tempts you to over-commit, while the second demands a clean exit to maximize speed onto the back straight. Getting this wrong costs you massively down the long straight into 130R. Perfecting Spoon is a delicate balance of aggression and control.

130R (Turn 15)

This is Suzuka’s cathedral of speed. A legendary left-hand sweep taken almost flat out. In modern F1® cars, it’s just about doable flat — but only if you're brave and trust the downforce. It’s an adrenaline rush every time. One of the most significant corners in the sport’s history.

Casio Triangle (Turns 16 & 17 – Chicane)

The final braking zone before the main straight. The Casio Triangle is a tight left-right chicane where many races have been decided. It’s the best overtaking spot on the track — think Hamilton on Räikkönen in 2007, or Senna vs. Prost drama.

Back to the Straight – Turn 18

More of a kink than a proper corner, this turns back onto the start/finish straight, forcing them to do it all over again.

Suzuka isn’t just about speed — it’s about mastery. It tests car setup, tire management, mental focus, and driving skills. There’s a reason drivers and engineers alike call it a “real” circuit. There’s no room for error, and no place to hide. Every lap here is earned — and it's magic when it all comes together. “Learn more from our other races at Senate Grand Prix, from our team of specialists in F1® hospitality.”

Author: Senate Grand Prix