JPNAyumu Iwasa
Ayumu Iwasa is a rising Japanese racing driver who has been making waves in the world of motorsport through his performances in international single-seater series. Born on September 22, 2001, in Osaka, Japan, Iwasa’s passion for racing was inspired by his parents, who were both amateur racers. He began karting at the age of four and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent, eventually working his way up the motorsport ladder with support from both Honda and Red Bull, two of the most influential forces in driver development.
Iwasa’s early career took off in karting, where he won multiple regional championships in Japan. His success earned him a spot in the Suzuka Racing School, and later into the Honda Formula Dream Project (HFDP), a key program designed to promote Japanese talent. His breakthrough moment came in 2020, when he moved to Europe to compete in the French F4 Championship. In a dominant campaign, Iwasa won nine races and captured the championship title, proving his ability to adapt to new environments and racing styles.
In 2021, Iwasa joined the Red Bull Junior Team, a major step forward that opened doors to the world stage. He competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Hitech Grand Prix, where he impressed in his rookie season, claiming a win at the Hungaroring and finishing 12th in the standings. His ability to extract performance from the car in high-pressure situations quickly became one of his standout traits.
The following year, he advanced to FIA Formula 2, racing with DAMS. In his rookie 2022 season, Iwasa secured two wins, multiple podiums, and finished 5th overall—earning Rookie of the Year honors. He remained with DAMS for the 2023 F2 season, improving on his previous year with three victories and a 4th place finish in the drivers' standings. His consistent performances put him firmly on the radar as one of the top talents outside Formula 1.
In 2024, Ayumu Iwasa returned to Japan to compete in the Super Formula Championship with Team Mugen, partnering with veteran driver Tomoki Nojiri. The move allowed him to continue developing his racecraft in one of the world’s most competitive and technically advanced domestic series while still remaining under the Red Bull and Honda development umbrellas.
Known for his calm yet aggressive driving style, adaptability, and strong work ethic, Iwasa is seen as one of the most promising Japanese drivers of his generation. His ties with both Honda and Red Bull place him in a strong position for potential opportunities in Formula 1, especially with Red Bull’s continued interest in promoting talent from within their junior ranks.
As he continues to develop in Super Formula, Ayumu Iwasa remains a strong candidate for future roles in F1, with many fans and insiders watching his progress closely. His blend of discipline, speed, and race intelligence makes him a standout in the pool of emerging global motorsport talent.