Here are our Fanta F1 tips for Japan: who did you pick? Discover our suggested line-up!
After the Chinese Grand Prix, Formula 1 heads straight to Japan for the third round of the controversial yet intriguing 2026 season. The Suzuka weekend follows a race that delivered huge excitement for Italian fans: a Mercedes one-two with Andrea Kimi Antonelli ahead of George Russell, a solid Ferrari still as second force, and several surprises including retirements and unexpected results.
For GPK Games fantasy managers, the Japanese GP already represents a key moment: Suzuka is a technical track where balance, confidence, and car performance matter. And after what we saw in China, some choices are becoming… almost mandatory.
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Top Picks: Mercedes Still the Favorite
After the one-two finish in China, Mercedes arrives in Japan as the team to beat. Antonelli secured his first win of the season, while Russell confirmed the car’s competitiveness with a strong second place.
Russell remains one of the most reliable Fanta F1 picks: consistent, fast, and backed by a Mercedes that performs well in both qualifying and race pace. Antonelli is also becoming a certainty: the young Italian has already shown he can fight consistently for victories.
Ferrari: Solid but Still Missing Something
Ferrari leaves China with third and fourth places thanks to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The Scuderia appears to be the second-best team, but still lacks the pace to truly challenge the dominant Mercedes W17.
Hamilton remains an interesting choice, especially at a technical circuit like Suzuka, where experience and tire management can make the difference. Leclerc is also a strong alternative for those seeking solid points without relying entirely on Mercedes.
Outsiders: Who Could Surprise at Suzuka
Watch out for Oliver Bearman, fifth in China and increasingly consistent with Haas. The British driver is proving to be one of the best value-for-money options in Fanta F1.
Also interesting are Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson, both scoring points in China and competitive in the midfield. Possible surprises may also come from Franco Colapinto, who finished in the top 10, and Sergio Perez, looking for redemption after a difficult weekend.
Meanwhile, caution is advised: Red Bull Racing struggled with Max Verstappen retiring, while McLaren arrives after a shocking double DNS, making papaya drivers a riskier choice.
Fanta F1 Strategy: Consistency or Risk?
After China, the safest strategy seems to be building your team around Mercedes, alongside reliable midfield drivers. However, Suzuka is a demanding circuit where mistakes and safety cars can completely change the race.
Choosing consistent drivers could therefore be the key to scoring important points.
Our suggested line-up
- George Russell
- Gabriel Bortoleto
- Franco Colapinto
- Sergio Perez
- (Team) – Ferrari
A balanced line-up focused on Russell’s consistency, the potential surprises from Bortoleto and Colapinto, and a Perez aiming for redemption. Ferrari as team remains a safe choice to collect solid points.
The Japanese GP could already provide decisive indications for the season – and in Fanta F1, choosing the right Suzuka line-up can truly make the difference.
Photo: Formula 1, Scuderia Ferrari HP
