Japanese talent Ayumu Iwasa is set to take the wheel for his second F1 outing with Visa Cash App RB at the prestigious Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this Friday.
This opportunity comes as part of Red Bull Racing’s commitment to nurturing young talent within its driver academy.
Ayumu Iwasa will replace compatriot Yuki Tsunoda at Visa Cash App RB during first practice Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a significant moment for both the driver and the team as they prepare to wrap up the 2024 F1 season.
Iwasa’s journey to this point has been marked by impressive performances across various racing series. He made his competitive F1 debut earlier this year at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished 16th in the first practice session.
This outing was particularly historic, as it was the first time an F1 team fielded an all-Japanese lineup with Ayumu Iwasa alongside Yuki Tsunoda. This achievement underscores a growing trend of Japanese drivers making their mark in the sport, and Iwasa’s participation is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Before stepping into the F1 spotlight, Ayumu Iwasa honed his skills in several competitive environments. After winning the French F4 Championship in 2020, he advanced to the FIA Formula 3 Championship where he continued to develop his racing acumen.
The young driver later joined Formula 2 and enjoyed a remarkable two-year stint where he secured five race victories with DAMS and consistently finished among the top competitors.
In 2022 and 2023, he placed fifth and fourth, respectively, in the championship standings, competing against formidable racers like Theo Pourchaire and Jack Doohan.
Besides his achievements in Europe, Ayumu Iwasa has also made major strides in Japan’s Super Formula championship. Driving for Mugen, he finished fifth overall in the series after a competitive season that saw him claim two podium finishes.
These experiences have not only refined his driving skills but have also prepared him for the unique challenges of Formula 1.
Ayumu Iwasa’s upcoming participation in FP1 during this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which will be held at Yas Marina Circuit is particularly exciting as he will be running alongside Liam Lawson while Tsunoda sits out the session.
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This arrangement allows Red Bull to evaluate Iwasa’s performance further while providing him with invaluable experience on one of F1’s most prestigious stages.
Visa Cash App RB team principal Laurent Mekies expressed confidence in Iwasa’s abilities, noting his impressive performance during last year’s test in Abu Dhabi, which laid the groundwork for his current opportunities.
”We will be giving Honda and Red Bull junior driver Ayumu Iwasa another FP1 run in our car, following on from his drive at Suzuka earlier in the year,” Mekies said. ”He will replace fellow countryman Yuki Tsunoda at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
”We want to end the season on a high, and everyone in the Team will be investing every last drop of energy into doing so!”
Visa Cash App RB are still in contention for sixth place in the constructor’s championship after a dismal weekend in Qatar.
They suffered a big blow as Alpine’s Pierre Gasly finished in fifth place, taking 10 points for the French team. Alpine sit on 59 points in sixth, with Haas on 54 points in seventh while the team now sits eighth with 46 points.
