Red Bull's Ayumu Iwasa 'Better Than Tsunoda' for F1, Says Engineer
Super Formula champion Ayumu Iwasa's race engineer believes Iwasa's driving skill and technical ability would make him a stronger F1 driver than Yuki Tsunoda. Iwasa's recent title win and consistent performance highlight his potential, but despite his F1 experience with Red Bull, a race seat remains elusive. His future plans are uncertain, while his current team hopes for his return to defend his Super Formula crown.
Newly crowned Super Formula champion Ayumu Iwasa possesses the potential to outperform Yuki Tsunoda in Formula 1, according to his race engineer, Tomohiko Koike. Iwasa, who recently secured the Super Formula title at Suzuka, has been balancing his Super Formula commitments with reserve and simulator duties for Red Bull's F1 teams, including an FP1 appearance with Racing Bulls in Mexico.
Why it matters:
Red Bull's driver pipeline is a constant topic of discussion, and the emergence of a highly-rated Japanese talent like Iwasa, with strong technical acumen, could significantly influence future F1 grid dynamics. As both Tsunoda and Liam Lawson face uncertain futures, a strong contender from within the Red Bull junior program offers a compelling option.
The details:
- Engineer's Assessment: Tomohiko Koike, Iwasa's race engineer at Team Mugen and former engineer for Liam Lawson, asserts that Iwasa's driving skill and car setup ability are superior to Tsunoda's.
- Technical Prowess: Koike specifically highlights Iwasa's "ability to set up the car," comparing it to seasoned Super Formula champion Tomoki Nojiri. This technical insight is crucial for F1, where driver feedback directly impacts car development.
- Consistent Performance: Iwasa's 2024 Super Formula season was marked by exceptional consistency, with two pole positions and a victory in the final race, propelling him past defending champion Sho Tsuboi in the standings.
- F1 Experience: Iwasa has gained valuable F1 experience through his reserve and simulator duties with Red Bull's F1 teams, culminating in an FP1 outing at the Mexico Grand Prix last month.
- Future Uncertainty: Despite his success and Koike's strong endorsement, Iwasa currently doesn't appear to be in contention for a race seat at Racing Bulls for 2025, which remains a key hurdle for his F1 aspirations.
Between the lines:
While Iwasa's talent is evident, the path to F1 is notoriously difficult, even for drivers within Red Bull's extensive junior program. The competitive nature of F1, combined with limited seats, means even a champion like Iwasa might need to wait or explore alternative paths, despite impressive credentials.
What's next:
Iwasa remains tight-lipped about his 2025 plans, stating he will "make the best use of that value" from his championship win. His current team, Mugen, would "really welcome" him staying to defend his Super Formula title, believing he could reach even higher levels. The F1 driver market will continue to evolve, and Iwasa's performance will undoubtedly keep him on Red Bull's radar for potential future opportunities.