Last month¡¯s decision by Red Bull to demote Yuki Tsunoda to a reserve role for the 2026 Formula One season has fired the starting gun on the race to become Japan¡¯s next grand prix star.

And Honda protege Ayumu Iwasa¡¯s run to last year¡¯s Super Formula title has propelled him up the list of possible candidates.

Emerging from a four-way championship battle in an action-packed tripleheader finale at Suzuka last November, Iwasa was a worthy champion, with his consistent speed across the year driving for Team Mugen proving too much for his rivals.