Ayumu Iwasa: Japan's Rising Star Ignites the F1 Scene at Suzuka GP
In a thrilling unveil that has the motorsport community buzzing, Red Bull Junior Ayumu Iwasa is set to make a breathtaking debut at a Formula 1 race weekend, stepping into Daniel Ricciardo’s RB car for the first practice session (FP1) at the revered Japanese Grand Prix. This opportunity not only marks a significant milestone in Iwasa’s burgeoning career but also showcases the FIA’s commitment to nurturing new talent.
As of 2022, a new regulation by the FIA has stirred the dynamics of Formula 1, mandating that every driver, among the elite 20, must relinquish one FP1 session to a rookie with fewer than two grand prix starts. This bold move is designed to pave asphalt pathways for emerging stars, ensuring they get a taste of the raw, unfiltered world of F1 racing.
Red Bull, traditionally a cradle for future champions, has chosen the fourth round at Suzuka to fulfill one of its rookie induction obligations. While Liam Lawson might have been a natural choice for the role, his previous stand-ins have rendered him ineligible, paving the way for Iwasa to take center stage.
In an electrifying turn of events, Iwasa’s appearance will align with Yuki Tsunoda’s, setting the stage for an all-Japanese driver lineup for the first practice hour in Suzuka, behind the wheels of the VCARB 01. This not only highlights Red Bull’s strategic moves but also showcases the depth of talent emerging from Japan.
"I am very happy to be able to participate in an official F1 session in my home country, and I am excited to be able to take the first step toward the realization of my dream – winning races and capturing the world championship title for many consecutive years in F1, the world’s most prestigious series," expressed an elated Iwasa.
Iwasa’s journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular. His maiden F1 testing experience at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi with the AlphaTauri squad laid the groundwork for his current opportunity. RB’s Team Principal Laurent Mekies has been effusive in his praise for Iwasa’s performance during the test and his subsequent invaluable contributions in the simulator, providing live race support and crucial feedback for the team.
Before catapulting into the limelight of F1, Iwasa shone in Formula 2 with DAMS, clinching three victories and finishing fourth in the championship during his second stint in the series. His earlier achievement as the 2020 French F4 series winner further cements his status as a prodigious talent. Transitioning to Japanese Super Formula with Mugen, Iwasa demonstrated his skill by finishing ninth in his Suzuka debut.
This FP1 session at the Japanese Grand Prix is more than just a debut; it’s a testament to Iwasa’s relentless pursuit of his F1 dream. It marks a momentous occasion where potential meets the pinnacle of motorsport, promising not just to excite fans but also to herald the arrival of a new Japanese hero on the global stage. As Ayumu Iwasa prepares to rev up the engine at Suzuka, the world watches, anticipating the dawn of a new era in Formula One racing.