Japan's Iwasa Eyes F1 After Super Formula Title Win

A young driver from Osaka is making Japan's racing community believe again after winning one of the world's toughest single-seater championships in just two years.

Ayumu Iwasa clinched Japan's Super Formula title last November, becoming the series' youngest champion since Ralf Schumacher nearly three decades ago. The 24-year-old dominated a four-way battle at Suzuka, showcasing the technical brilliance and mental toughness that has Honda executives calling him "special."

Super Formula isn't a stepping stone series. It's a proving ground where cars reach speeds second only to F1, and where raw talent alone won't carry you to victory. Iwasa mastered it in record time, overcoming mechanical failures and a first-lap crash in the championship finale that would have broken lesser drivers.

His celebration lasted exactly zero days. Within hours of winning the title, Iwasa was on a plane to Qatar for F1 duties as Red Bull's reserve driver, then to Abu Dhabi for testing, then back to Japan where he chartered a helicopter from the airport just to squeeze in extra track time. That dedication tells you everything about his hunger.

Takuma Sato, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner who now advises Honda Racing, has watched Iwasa closely since 2019. "What makes him special is that he never stops learning," Sato explained. "He is meticulously involved in the technical side, not just talented and naturally fast."

Red Bull chose British driver Arvid Lindblad for their 2026 opening instead of Iwasa, leaving him in reserve status for another year. Some see this as a setback, but Iwasa views it differently. He's returning to Super Formula as defending champion, carrying the coveted No. 1 on his car, with another season to prove he's ready for racing's biggest stage.

Why This Inspires

Iwasa's story resonates because it shows that getting passed over doesn't mean game over. While teammate Yuki Tsunoda was demoted from his Red Bull F1 seat, opening a door that didn't lead to Iwasa, the young driver responded by doubling down on preparation rather than disappointment.

His approach offers a masterclass in patience and persistence. Many drivers in his position would feel defeated, but Iwasa treats every setback as data, every delay as training time. When mechanical failures cost him crucial points mid-season, he didn't complain. When a crash at Suzuka nearly derailed his title hopes, he rallied in the final two races to seal the championship.

The recent departure of Red Bull's long-time junior program chief, who rarely mentioned Iwasa as a serious F1 candidate, might actually improve his odds for 2027. Honda's belief in him remains rock-solid despite their partnership with Red Bull ending. Most importantly, Iwasa still believes in himself, channeling every ounce of energy toward racing's ultimate dream.

As Sato noted, handling pressure is the best training for F1, and Iwasa is getting plenty of it.