Suzuka, the host of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix that has long been considered one of Formula One’s greatest circuits, beloved of drivers and fans alike, simply has it all. A storied history of high drama and thrilling racing on a majestic challenge that sweeps and undulates with the landscape of the Mie prefecture where it is built. It is the perfect combination of risk and reward, where the bold and exacting shine but which has retained its fearsome reputation of being unforgiving of error. A classic and in the modern era, an old-school circuit indeed.
Suzuka recently extended its contract with F1 until 2029, a decision widely welcomed given the recent proliferation of anodyne street circuits. Max Verstappen made his F1 debut in practice here in 2014 having just turned 17. The world champion’s admiration is informed by there still being genuine jeopardy at Suzuka.
