The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix is just days away, and F1 drivers are waiting for one of their favourite rounds on the racing calendar. The Suzuka track delivers a wonderful experience for the fans, as it is like a roller coaster with many highs and lows. But a great danger is hiding behind the beautiful Japanese racetrack.
History shows that there have been many incidents on this track, including the most recent death of a Formula 1 driver. It is the only track with multiple U-turns and corners, which are considered the most dangerous in Formula 1, such as the 130R. Disasters are always a looming threat in Suzuka, and drivers must be extremely cautious, especially in wet conditions.
Here are the top 5 biggest disasters at the Japanese Grand Prix
1. Jules Bianchi’s Fatal Death (2014)
Charles Leclerc’s godfather and Marussia driver Jules Bianchi was fatally injured as he crashed into a recovery vehicle during the 2014 F1 Japanese Grand prix. The French driver didn't slow down enough during the virtual safety car period, and the wet conditions made it worse for him to control his car. He went into a coma and after 1 year he died. This was the last known death of a Formula 1 driver, and his death provoked the FIA to bring more safety measures like the Halo, which saved the life of Romain Grosjean in Bahrain.
2. Pros vs Senna - 1989
Formula 1 greats Senna and Prost collided during the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix. This was the title decider race between the two titans, and Prost emerged as the champion by the end of the year. Ayrton Senna was charging at Alain Prost, and in the final corner, the two drivers collided, which ended in Senna losing the title.
3. Daniel Riccirdo & Alex Albon - 2024
The VCARB driver and the Williams driver crashed heavily into the barriers when they headed towards the esses. Daniel Ricciardo was looking at the mirrors and spotted Lance Stroll, but he didn't see Alex Albon, who was coming behind due to a blind spot. The two drivers are immediately out of the race.
4. Logan Sargeant, 2024
During the first free practice session of the Japanese Grand Prix, Williams F1 driver Logan Sergeant had a massive crash. He lost his balance while approaching the hairpin and lost control of his car. The reason was he approached the corner carrying too much speed, and Logan’s car was thrown into the barriers.
5. Carlos Sainz, 2022
The 2022 season was nearly horrific, as the track conditions made it impossible to race. The torrential rain wreaked havoc on the Suzuka track, and many drivers crashed on the first lap due to poor visibility. Carlos Sainz lost control of his car, went into the gravel and ended up in the barriers. The race was stopped midway, and Max Verstappen was declared as the winner.
Also Read: 2025 F1 Japanese Grand Prix Race Schedule, Timings, F1 Teams, Drivers & How to watch the race
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