1. All eyes on Tsunoda

Yuki Tsunoda was always going to be a big story heading into his home Grand Prix weekend, but a sudden promotion into the Red Bull team has thrust him into the mainstream spotlight.

After initially being snubbed for Liam Lawson, just two races into the season the Japanese driver finds himself in the senior team with a chance to prove his doubters wrong. A smooth weekend in the points would be a good start for Tsunoda, but that is far from guaranteed in the diva that is the RB21.

2. New looks in Suzuka

There will be a fresh set of paint on both the Red Bull and the Haas this weekend, both teams sporting a one-off livery design for Suzuka.

Red Bull have brought back and arguably improved the fan favourite “White Bull” design that they originally planned to use on the RB16B in Suzuka in 2021, but ended up having to run it in Turkey instead.

A tribute to engine partner Honda as the Milton Keynes outfit this season say goodbye to the manufacturer that has delivered Max Verstappen four straight Driver’s Championships, as well as the Constructor’s in 2022 and 2023.

Haas will be running a cherry blossom themed livery on their VF-25, whilst Sauber jokingly released a wagyu steak themed livery for April Fool’s Day which will not be seen on track.

3. Papaya battle heats up

After a disappointing result in the season opener, Oscar Piastri came storming back in China last time around, securing his first ever pole position and the race win to boot.

Teammate Lando Norris struggled to get to grips with his McLaren around Shanghai, but battled through a long brake pedal to take second.

The papaya duo will be expected to compete for the win again in Japan, a track where their car has run well in the past. A victory for either man would be a significant statement of intent in the early stages of this championship battle.

4. Lawson demoted

As one man receives the opportunity of a lifetime, another makes way after a brutal dismissal after just realising his dream.

Liam Lawson finds himself back at Racing Bulls after just two rounds in the Red Bull, a nightmare situation that the Kiwi must find a way to fight back from should he have any chances of getting another crack at the top table.

He’ll be facing a new threat in Isack Hadjar, who himself bounced back from early season disappointment to drive really well in China.

Lawson has previous success around this venue and must produce more than he managed to show at Red Bull, showing some of the ability in the junior team that led Red Bull to promote him in the first place.

5. Mercedes in the hunt

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff proudly claimed that his outfit have the “second fastest” car on the grid after George Russell scored a second consecutive podium of the season in Shanghai.

The Silver Arrows have flown slightly under the radar amidst the McLaren pace, Red Bull mismanagement and Ferrari hype this season. Yet despite this, they sit second in the Constructor’s and with a couple of upgrades could find themselves right there with their customer team McLaren.

Russell and rookie Antonelli have driven well, keeping out of trouble and racking up a decent points tally but Japan will be a real test of Wolff’s claim as the fast technical circuit can expose any weakness in either car or driver. Should they pass this test, the Brackley based outfit could quickly become real title contenders in 2025.