Tsuboi Targets F1 Testing Amid Toyota-Haas Partnership
Reigning Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi is positioning himself for a potential opportunity to test with the Haas Formula 1 team, driven by Toyota’s partnership with the American outfit. Having clinched the Super Formula title in 2022, Tsuboi’s aspirations for F1 have become increasingly tangible.
Tsuboi, who also secured his third SUPER GT title, emerged as a leading figure in Toyota’s driver roster. His recent success has led to speculation about him participating in Haas’s TPC program, which involves mileage with previous-generation F1 cars. This follows the inclusion of Ryo Hirakawa as Haas’s reserve driver, who has already taken part in two practice sessions, with additional outings planned.
In remarks to Autosport, Tsuboi expressed that winning his titles has opened doors he previously thought were closed. “Before I won the Super Formula title, I wasn’t really thinking about anything beyond that,” he stated. “Winning everything I can in Japanese racing has shifted my focus to new possibilities, including the chance to drive an F1 car.”
Tsuboi emphasized that driving an F1 car has been a long-held dream. “Becoming an F1 driver has been my dream since I was a kid,” he added, underscoring his determination to pursue this goal.
The recent development of Toyota’s collaboration with Haas has also seen former Super Formula champion Ritomo Miyata test an F1 car, further emphasizing the pathway for Japanese drivers into premier racing. Additionally, Kamui Kobayashi, a notable figure in Toyota’s endurance racing program, tested the VF-23 at Paul Ricard, further bridging the gap between Toyota’s domestic success and international motorsport.
As Tsuboi continues to establish himself in the motorsports landscape, the prospect of an F1 test represents a crucial next step in his career, aligning with Toyota’s strategy to cultivate talent for future competition in the world’s most prestigious racing series.
