Honda president Watanabe pleased with Iwasa: ‘A good candidate for the F1 seat’

During the first free practice session at the Suzuka circuit, Super Formula driver Ayumu Iwasa was held in the VCARB car of Daniel Ricciardo. The first free practice was the first official F1 session that the Japanese ran. The 22-year-old driver showed his good side and impressed not only Helmut Marko, but also Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) president Koji Watanabe.

Iwasa graduated from the Honda Racing School in Suzuka, as did VCARB rider Yuki Tsunoda. No wonder Watanabe took note of Iwasa’s success. In Motorsport.com HRC president says he would like to see Iwasa given an F1 seat soon. “After Yuki, she is now our hope.”

Honda wants to sponsor Iwasa

Iwasa was able to stand for several points, according to Watanabe. ‘I listened to his radio during the first training and I was very impressed. He is very accurate and also has a good sense of explaining what is going on in the car at any time.”

The speed that Iwasa managed to achieve in the VCARB car should also not be underestimated. ‘He built a session. His first three laps were still slow and nervous, but after that he continued to improve. I think he is a good candidate for a Formula 1 seat in the future.’ If that happens, Iwasa could contact Honda for a possible warranty deal, Watanabe says. Fellow VCARB Tsunoda is also sponsored by a major Japanese car company.

Musical chairs in the Red Bull teams

There is definitely room for a game of musical chairs between the two Red Bull teams. At Red Bull Racing, Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio ‘Checo’ Pérez, is not yet guaranteed a seat in the 2025 season. His contract runs until the end of this season. Nothing is known about the upcoming season in the VCARB girls team. Neither Tsunoda nor Ricciardo, who has been the subject of much controversy recently, is guaranteed a seat with the team in 2025. Meanwhile, Red Bull Junior driver Liam Lawson is also eyeing a seat with the team.

Would you like to discuss? Click here to register.