Preview: Alex looks ahead to Suzuka

Find out what Alex had to say prior to the Japanese Grand Prix weekend

Published

26 MAR 2026

Est. reading time

2 min

Alex is all set for the third round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, having arrived in Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix.

It’s a popular venue among drivers, and it’s no exception for Alex, with the 30-year-old eager to hit the track after being unable to race in Shanghai.

"I’m really looking forward to heading back to Suzuka, as it's my favourite track on the calendar and a proper old-school circuit,” he shared.

“The fans in Japan are always amazing, and you can really feel the support and atmosphere they bring each year.”

Suzuka’s unique figure-of-eight layout begins with the flowing Esses of the first sector, a rapid sequence of direction changes that demand precision and rhythm from the driver.

The circuit then builds through the technical middle section, featuring the Degners and the tight Hairpin, before opening up into the high-speed sweep of 130R and the run down towards the final chicane.

Alex arrives on the grid ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix

It’s a real drivers’ circuit, and one that should give Alex and the Atlassian Williams Racing team plenty of data on the FW48 in its current state ahead of a five-week gap between races.

“As a team, the focus this weekend is on continuing to learn, understand and fully optimise our current package so that we go into the April break with as much information as possible to develop the car for Miami when F1 resumes,” he added.

“Suzuka is a good test of the car, especially through the high-speed sections, so it’s a great opportunity to understand where we can improve and what we need to focus on."

We’ll be covering the action every step of the way, so make sure to follow along on our live blog via the AA23 website and app.

Use the handy table below to discover what time each session starts.

And don’t forget to claim Alex’s latest Fan Passport stamp before racing concludes in Suzuka. You can add this week’s Albono to your collection via the link below.

Enjoy the Japanese Grand Prix!

The 2026 Japan Albono is ready to collect!