Honda driver Ayumu Iwasa has had a bit of a quiet 2024 so far, with little action since departing the Formula 2 series.
The Japanese driver finished fourth in Formula 2 last year with DAMS, meaning that he finished inside the top two in both of his first two campaigns.
From there, a move to compete in Super Formula with Team Mugen materialised, with three podiums in seven starts and a fourth-place standing with two races to go at Suzuka.
He’s had a very solid last few years, topped off by a practice appearance at the Japanese Grand Prix for Visa Cash App RB, but where next for Iwasa?
Honda president weighs up Iwasa ‘options’
Iwasa has served as one of Visa Cash App RB’s reserve drivers so far in 2024, which will have involved simulator sessions and attending the odd race.
It has now been confirmed that his next step will be to conform to a Liam Lawson-like role, where he could attend every race, but there are also other avenues available.
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“For Iwasa, I think his basic position next year will be as a reserve driver for RB,” Koji Watanabe, president of HRC told Autosport.
“From there, the goal is to secure a full-time race seat. I’ve been discussing various possibilities for Iwasa with Marko.
“This includes what steps Iwasa should take next season to further his career. One option is for him to attend all F1 races as a reserve driver, similar to Liam Lawson,” he continued.
“Another option is for him to continue racing in Super Formula next year. Personally, I think it would be beneficial for him to keep driving.”
Does Iwasa warrant a Formula 1 opportunity?
Nothing immediately stands out about Iwasa’s junior career so far apart from one glaring thing – consistency across all categories.
That level of adaptability is necessary to drive in Formula 1, and in placing inside the top five of many different championships, he has proven that he has a lot of ability.
It’s the sort of performance that demands at least a few more practice sessions to embed himself and adjust to a Formula 1 car.
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Should he ever be required to drive, it would then benefit him massively – but as seen with Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman, it’s likely that he could deliver with little testing time.
Unless he wins the championship, a return to Super Formula and regular racing action would be a wise move for 2024, alongside remaining in his reserve role to keep him as sharp as possible.