Historic Day for Japanese Drivers at Post-Season Abu Dhabi F1 Test

ByShiga Sports Hours
Yuki Tsunoda Abu Dhabi Red Bull
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The 2024 Formula 1 season officially concluded on Sunday at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, but the action continued on Tuesday with the highly anticipated post-season test. A mix of seasoned drivers and rookies took to the track, laying the groundwork for the 2025 campaign. For Japanese motorsport, the test was historic, with three Japanese drivers—Yuki Tsunoda, Ayumu Iwasa, and Ryo Hirakawa—testing for three different F1 teams.

Japanese F1 drivers at Abu Dhabi test

Ryo Hirakawa honored to drive two different F1 cars within a week.

For Japanese fans, this test was a moment of pride. Yuki Tsunoda drove for Red Bull Racing in the Pirelli tyre test, providing critical development data for the team. Ayumu Iwasa represented RB Racing in the rookie test program, solidifying his status as a rising star in the Red Bull junior ranks. Meanwhile, Ryo Hirakawa, a standout in endurance racing, gained valuable F1 experience with Haas in partnership with TRG. It was nice to see Kazuki Nakajima inside the Haas garage to support his Toyota colleague. Remarkably, Hirakawa became one of the few drivers to test two different current F1 cars within a single week, having driven McLaren’s car during Free Practice at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix just days earlier.

Charles Leclerc Tops the Time Sheets

The Pirelli tyre test saw impressive performances from several drivers, with George Russell leading early sessions for Mercedes. Alongside him, Mercedes rookies Kimi Antonelli and Frederick Vesti showcased their potential. Esteban Ocon also made his debut with Haas, marking his return to the track after missing the season-ending group driver photo on Sunday. Ocon finished fifth overall, ahead of Hirakawa, who secured eighth place. Ultimately, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc dominated the timing sheets, leading the pack with a stellar performance.

Rookie Test Highlights

The rookie test provided a glimpse into Formula 1’s future. Kimi Antonelli and Frederick Vesti stood out for Mercedes, while Arthur Leclerc impressed for Ferrari, supported by his girlfriend and Charles Leclerc’s partner Alexandra, who attended the session. IndyCar star Pato O’Ward also turned heads during his run with McLaren, further broadening the pool of talent vying for a future seat in Formula 1.

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Red Bull’s Future and the Yuki Tsunoda Question

Seeing Yuki Tsunoda in a Red Bull Racing car was a highlight of the test. Both his family and Honda must have taken pride in watching the talented Japanese driver pilot a top-tier F1 car, with his helmet design perfectly complementing the RB20’s livery.

Yuki Tsunoda Helmet fit well with the Red Bull livery!

However, questions about Red Bull’s 2025 driver lineup remain. After a crucial corporate meeting in Dubai, insiders suggest that Red Bull is likely to promote Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez, whose departure appears imminent. Despite Tsunoda outperforming Lawson consistently during the 2024 season, Red Bull seems inclined to favor its own junior drivers over a former Honda-backed talent like Tsunoda. An official announcement is expected later this week.

A Warm Homecoming for Yuki Tsunoda

Japanese fans will soon have the opportunity to celebrate Yuki Tsunoda at the Honda Racing Season Finale 2024. The event, hosted at Honda Welcome Plaza AOYAMA, will feature Tsunoda alongside other Honda legends such as Nobuharu Matsushita and Takuma Sato. Fans can look forward to exclusive exhibits, engaging talk shows, and a closer look at the personal side of their motorsport heroes.

For more details, visit Honda Racing Season Finale 2024.

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