Red Bull Junior Ayumu Iwasa Claims Super Formula Title Amidst Verstappen's F1 Pursuit
Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa completed a remarkable comeback to win the 2025 Super Formula title in Japan. This victory significantly boosts the F1 test driver's prospects, coming as Max Verstappen also narrowed the gap in his pursuit of a fifth F1 championship after a dramatic Las Vegas Grand Prix where McLaren drivers were disqualified.
While Max Verstappen edges closer to a fifth F1 title, fellow Red Bull driver Ayumu Iwasa has already secured a significant championship victory, completing a stunning comeback to claim this year's Super Formula title in Japan.
Why it matters:
Iwasa's Super Formula championship is a significant milestone for a Red Bull junior driver, underscoring the strength of their development program. His success could pave the way for a future F1 seat, especially as he is already a test driver for Red Bull and Racing Bulls. This win not only highlights his talent but also showcases the high-level competition in feeder series outside of Europe, providing another potential path to F1.
The details:
- Dramatic Comeback: Entering the final race at Suzuka Circuit, Iwasa was fourth in the standings, trailing leader Sho Tsuboi by 12.5 points.
- Championship Victory: Iwasa won the season finale, while Tsuboi finished only eighth, allowing Iwasa to be crowned champion.
- F1 Experience: The Japanese driver has made two free practice appearances in F1 this year, driving the RB21 in Bahrain and the Racing Bulls car in Mexico City.
- Verstappen's Title Hunt: Max Verstappen's quest for a fifth F1 title saw a dramatic twist after the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
- He was initially 42 points behind championship leader Lando Norris. However, due to both McLaren drivers being disqualified for skid wear issues, the gap to Norris was reduced to just 24 points.
The big picture:
Iwasa's Super Formula triumph marks a successful close to his season, reinforcing his credentials within the Red Bull driver pool. This comes as Max Verstappen continues his charge for a fifth Formula 1 World Championship, with the recent disqualifications of McLaren drivers providing a critical boost to his campaign. The dual narratives highlight the present and future of Red Bull's racing ambitions across different series.
What's next:
Iwasa's championship win will undoubtedly boost his profile and strengthen his chances for a full-time F1 seat in the coming years. His consistent performance and experience in F1 free practice sessions suggest he is on Red Bull's radar for a potential future promotion. For Verstappen, the reduced points gap sets up a more intense battle for the F1 title in the remaining races, making the end of the season even more thrilling for fans.