Toto Wolff: "We have made a positive start to the season but it is only that.

"In both Australia and China, we had several close calls that could have ended our weekend. These cars are new and fragile; we were fortunate that none of the issues we faced severely compromised our results. We have work to do to make sure that continues to be the case. The grid is also learning so much every time we take to the track. Each weekend brings a new set of challenges and we are focused on completing our work, and looking to improve. We know that the moment you think you've got this sport figured out, you are usually proven wrong.

"That is as true for Kimi as it is for the team. His win in China was a great achievement and a moment to be proud of. However, his focus and ours are on what is ahead. His first victory is a first step and all that matters is how he builds on it. We will support him to navigate the expectations that come with performing at the front more consistently.

"We're also hopeful that the exciting racing we saw in Melbourne and Shanghai will continue in Japan. Suzuka is one of the world's great race tracks but it has, in recent years, been a difficult place to overtake. Hopefully under these new regulations we can put on a good show for the fans.

"Finally, we will be sporting an edgy look for this weekend's race. As a team, we continue to lead the way in blending our sport and wider culture and that is reflected in our work with Y-3's legendary Japanese designer, Yohji Yamamoto. It is fitting that his collection will be seen on the team trackside, plus his designs on the drivers' overalls and helmets, and on the W17 itself. It is a significant honour to partner on such a collaboration with Y-3, becoming only the third sports team after the Japanese national football team and Real Madrid to do so, and I'm sure it will prove to be an iconic one."

Stats & Facts

• Suzuka holds the distinction of being the only circuit we race at that is laid out in a figure-of-eight configuration.

• 2026 will be the 40th edition of the Japanese Grand Prix.

• No Grand Prix or track has seen more F1 world champions crowned than Japan (13) and Suzuka (12). The 1976 season was settled at Fuji.

• The 1994 Japanese Grand Prix remains the last occasion a race was decided using aggregate times after the race was split into two parts due to a red flag.

• All six of Mercedes' wins in Japan came in consecutive seasons between 2014 and 2019.

• Mercedes clinched a record-equalling sixth consecutive Constructors' title at Suzuka in 2019.

• In 2025, Kimi became the youngest driver to set a Grand Prix fastest lap in history by setting the quickest race tour in Suzuka.

• In the same race, Kimi also became the youngest in Grand Prix history to lead a lap, holding P1 for 10 of the 53 tours.