The world of Formula 1 is constantly in flux, with young talents waiting in the wings for their shot at glory. The Red Bull Junior Team has long been a cradle for emerging stars, and recently, a new name has come to the fore: Ayumu Iwasa. The Japanese sensation is already turning heads in Super Formula, prompting many to wonder how he would fare at the wheel of an F1 car. Some within the motorsport community now go so far as to suggest that Iwasa could be an even greater prospect than his compatriot, Yuki Tsunoda—AlphaTauri’s current lead driver.
Iwasa’s rapid ascent has not gone unnoticed. After a solid tenure in the Formula 2 championship—where he scored victories and demonstrated mature racecraft—he took the bold step of moving to the fiercely competitive Japanese Super Formula series. This leap gave him a platform to further develop his technical abilities and race intelligence, both crucial attributes in the world’s premier motorsport. His immediate adaptation and impressive performances have not only elevated his profile but have sparked debates about the pecking order among Red Bull’s talented protégés.
Comparisons between Iwasa and Tsunoda are natural, considering both emerged through the Red Bull programme and share a common background in Japanese motorsport. While Tsunoda’s fiery spirit and aggressive overtaking maneuvers have become hallmarks of his F1 tenure, Iwasa is seen as exhibiting a more calculated approach, marked by consistency and a keen understanding of tyre management and race strategy. Experts see these traits as pivotal assets, especially in an era where race management and adaptability are prized just as much as outright speed.
Iwasa’s journey reflects a meticulous progression through motorsport’s ranks. Starting with karting, he made his mark in regional competitions before making the leap to single-seaters. His intelligence behind the wheel—particularly in reading changing conditions and adapting his strategy mid-race—has garnered acclaim not only in Japan but also on the international stage. Insiders point out that while Tsunoda burst into Formula 1 with raw speed, Iwasa’s methodical development could make him a more reliable asset for teams looking for consistency over a demanding 24-race season.
Of course, Red Bull’s talent pipeline has a history of fast-tracking those who show potential. The likes of Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Daniel Ricciardo all benefitted from the team’s willingness to gamble on youth. With Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda both fighting to secure their long-term future, the spotlight is already shifting to which new face could break through. In the fiercely contested Super Formula field, Iwasa has not only held his own but has often punched above his weight—beating experienced rivals and demonstrating composure under pressure.
As the Formula 1 paddock increasingly looks to Asia for fresh talent and markets, Iwasa could become an emblem for a new generation. His approach, blending traditional Japanese discipline with the high-pressure expectations of European racing, makes him an ideal candidate for a full-time F1 seat in the future. Moreover, his experiences in Super Formula—often described as the closest thing to Formula 1 outside of F1 itself—have given him invaluable insights into working with demanding cars and complex setups.
While it’s too early to write off Tsunoda, there is a growing consensus among insiders that Iwasa’s balanced and intelligent approach could make him the more complete driver in the long run. Should he get the opportunity, Iwasa may just prove to be the next big star not only for Red Bull but also for Japanese motorsport as a whole. Formula 1 fans would do well to keep a close eye on this rising sun—Ayumu Iwasa’s moment may be just around the corner.
