Formula 1 has no circuit quite like Suzuka. And there is no photographer who knows it quite like Mark Sutton. In the latest episode of The Motion Report Podcast, Mark and host David Schneider turn their attention from the drama of Shanghai to one of the most beloved tracks on the entire calendar — and the stories Mark brings from three decades at the Japanese Grand Prix are extraordinary.
From Senna to Antonelli — 34 Years at Suzuka
Mark first visited Suzuka in 1992, the year Ayrton Senna won there and waved to the crowd down the pit lane in one of the most iconic images of that era. Since then he has witnessed championship deciders, photographed world champions on the wall in celebration, and survived typhoons that shut down the entire circuit. When he talks about Japan, you can hear immediately why it holds such a special place for everyone who travels there.
In this episode Mark revisits three of his most iconic Japanese Grand Prix moments — Mika Häkkinen winning the 1998 World Championship at the final chicane, an image that made the front cover of Autocourse magazine; Damon Hill celebrating his title on the pit wall with his wife Georgie and a handful of mechanics in a photo that now features in a major documentary about the Hill family legacy; and Senna himself, in that very first visit in 1992, waving down the pit lane as the crowd erupted around him.
What to Expect in 2026
With Mercedes carrying genuine power advantage into Japan, Mark predicts another George Russell victory — but warns that Ferrari’s launch advantage at the start could shake things up. Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli are both firmly in the mix, and with Max Verstappen looking for redemption after retiring in China, the midfield battle could be more unpredictable than the front row suggests.
The weather is also worth watching. Mark has experienced two typhoons at Suzuka that forced the circuit to shut entirely, with qualifying sessions cancelled and temporary structures dismantled overnight. With rain forecast for Friday morning and temperatures hovering around 17 degrees, conditions could play a role once again.
Japan Beyond the Circuit
One of the most enjoyable parts of this episode is hearing Mark and co-host Moe Hada talk about Japan itself — the bullet train to Nagoya, the drive from Osaka to Suzuka, the cherry blossom season making hotel rooms near impossible to find, and why the Japanese fans remain some of the most passionate and honourable in world sport. Dressed in Honda gear, waving flags for Yuki Tsunoda, and lining every corner of the circuit from dawn — there is nowhere else quite like it.
This is essential listening before the lights go out at Suzuka.
▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube | 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
The Motion Report is an FIA media-accredited Formula 1 journalism channel. Subscribe for paddock coverage, photography deep-dives, and long-form podcast conversations throughout the 2026 season.
The 2026 Japanese Grand Prix takes place at the Suzuka Circuit in early April 2026, following the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
Getty Images F1 photographer Mark Sutton predicts George Russell to win the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli second and Charles Leclerc third, based on Mercedes’ continued power advantage heading into Suzuka.
The Motion Report Podcast is hosted by F1 journalist David Schneider and features legendary Getty Images photographer Mark Sutton. It covers Formula 1 photography, paddock culture and race previews across the 2026 season.
Follow Mark on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/f1sutton/
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