F1 authorities rely on Suzuka rain to stop grass fires after a series of red flags at Japanese GP

The 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix has been marred by an unusual and persistent issue—grass fires triggered by sparks from the cars, forcing red flags during multiple sessions at the Suzuka Circuit . Authorities are looking at the night's rainfall to help avoid further fires on the grass. With five fire-related stoppages over the weekend so far, race officials are now hoping that forecasted overnight rainfall will bring an end to the disruptions.

Red flags at Japanese Grand Prix create safety fears over grass fires


The fires, all of which took place along the track in high-speed areas, are thought to be the result of sparks produced from titanium skid blocks below the cars. The sparks have invariably ignited dry grass, especially at hot corners like the renowned 130R, where a Q2 fire during Saturday ended the session.

Despite relatively cool air temperatures of 13-15°C, no rain and Japan's notoriously dry springtime weather have provided the perfect situation for such eruptions to occur. Formula 1's governing organization, the FIA , has already taken some measures, including watering the driest areas of grass following Friday's two fires during practice.

Although temporary actions such as specific watering have served to some extent, officials confess that a solution is weather-dependent. If the rain overnight doesn't happen, the FIA has confirmed that it will send marshals to water manually priority areas of the 3.6-mile circuit before Sunday's race.

A preemptive controlled burn—employed in other motorsport contexts to clear away flammable plant life—was considered but FIA sources excluded it on safety grounds, environmental considerations, and aesthetic concerns regarding blackened landscapes.

Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen , who will lead Sunday's race from pole, also believes that rain might be the solution. “It will rain overnight, and that will help. The grass is very dry, and I guess with the sparks it can ignite.”

McLaren's Oscar Piastri , who will begin from third, shared the same opinion: “With the rain overnight, I don't think it will be as much of a problem.”

Also Read: Surprise grass fires bring chaos to Japanese GP practice; FIA responds with immediate action

With excitement growing for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, fans and teams alike await Mother Nature to do her part in eradicating the fire risk, providing a clean, uninterrupted race on one of the calendar's favorites.