Ayumu Iwasa has just won the Super Formula title, but despite this success, the path to Formula 1 seems more difficult than ever. Especially because Honda’s future ends with Red Bull and it therefore lacks direct manufacturer support.
Iwasa himself has not only impressed in the Super Formula over the past two years, but has also worked as a reserve driver and in the simulator for the two Red Bull teams in Formula 1. His most recent official assignment was the FT1 for Racing Bulls at the Mexican Grand Prix last month.
For a driver who has just dominated Japan’s toughest single-seater series, the next logical step would be a Formula 1 regular cockpit. But that’s exactly what doesn’t seem to be in sight at the moment.
Although both Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson enter the final part of the Formula 1 season with uncertain futures, Iwasa does not emerge as a candidate for Racing Bulls. Without Honda’s influence at Red Bull, which expires after 2025, it will become increasingly difficult for Iwasa to even get into the conversation.
Race engineer: Iwasa would be faster than Tsunoda
His race engineer Tomohiko Koike, who accompanied Iwasa through the season, is still convinced: Iwasa could not only hold his own in Formula 1, but even perform stronger than his compatriot and current Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda.
“Iwasa is getting better and better,” Koike told Motorsport.com, a partner site of Motorsport-Total.com.
“In terms of driving ability and approach, he was stronger than last year. This season he has been extremely consistent. His average performance was the best in the field, better than Tsuboi and Kakunoshin Ohta.”
Koike can therefore well imagine Iwasa in Formula 1 and goes even further: “I think he would be better than Tsunoda. Not only in terms of driving, but also his technical understanding and his ability to set up the car are impressive, on the same level as Tomoki Nojiri. He could drive better than some drivers who are currently on the grid. He just needs one chance, and that’s exactly the most difficult thing.”
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Iwasa’s future in Formula 1 uncertain
Iwasa himself remains cautious after winning the title, precisely because his situation has changed without a Formula 1 prospect. When asked what the Super Formula crown means for his future, he says: “At the moment I don’t know.”
“I think it’s up to me to make the best use of this value. I want to continue my path so that I can take full advantage of the title of champion, number 1 in Japan.”
Team Mugen would love to keep him for 2026. Koike explains: “We would really welcome him. I think he would then reach an even higher level.” Iwasa already enjoys a high reputation among his competitors.
Sho Tsuboi emphasizes: “It was Iwasa’s year.” He himself traveled to the finale in Suzuka with a lead of 12.5 points and only needed to finish fourth to fend off Iwasa’s late attack. But a disappointing eighth place cost him and Toypta the first possible back-to-back title in history.
After the race, Tsuboi bluntly admitted: “In terms of speed, there was no chance of beating the Honda riders this weekend, and Iwasa made almost no mistakes this year. Every time he finished, he was in the top three.”
He also pointed out that Iwasa had lost crucial points in Autopolis and Motegi due to technical defects: “If you give him those points back, he should have gone into this weekend with a big lead. Actually, he should have been champion before the last race. The fact that I was in the title fight until the end was only due to his bad luck,” said Tsuboi’s honest analysis.
Even though the Toyota driver was frustrated, he ultimately clearly acknowledged: “I did everything I could. Iwasa was really exceptional this year.”
So at the end of this season Iwasa stands as the dominant Super Formula champion and yet without a clear path to Formula 1. With the expiration of the Honda partnership with Red Bull, the chance of a cockpit becomes smaller rather than larger.