reigning Super Formula champion, Sho Tsuboi, is on a mission to turn his F1 dream into reality through a strategic partnership between Toyota and the Haas Formula 1 team. With his impressive track record, Tsuboi is poised to potentially test grand prix machinery as part of Haas’s TPC program, following his victory in the Super Formula series last year.
Having secured his first Super Formula title in his debut year with Toyota’s TOM’S team, Tsuboi solidified his status as the top driver in Toyota’s domestic lineup, also clinching his third SUPER GT title. The collaboration between Toyota and Haas has already seen Ryo Hirakawa appointed as the American team’s reserve driver, participating in free practice sessions during grand prix weekends, with more opportunities on the horizon.
Tsuboi, who recently celebrated his 30th birthday, expressed his newfound optimism about the possibility of testing an F1 car, a dream he has nurtured since childhood. The alliance between Toyota and Haas has opened doors for Tsuboi, prompting him to set his sights on the pinnacle of motorsport. Reflecting on his achievements, Tsuboi shared, “Becoming an F1 driver has been my dream since I was a kid, so I definitely want to drive an F1 car at least once.”
The Super Formula champion’s aspirations align with his predecessor, Ritomo Miyata, who transitioned to Formula 2 and seized the opportunity to test an F1 car with Haas earlier this year. Additionally, Toyota’s Kamui Kobayashi, known for his success in the World Endurance Championship, recently familiarized himself with contemporary F1 machinery during a test at Paul Ricard, as he takes on a more prominent role in mentoring Toyota’s young drivers.
坪井の子供の頃の夢から具体的な目標への旅は、彼の決意とサーキットでの技術を体現しています。スーパーフォーミュラでのダブルタイトル獲得は、彼をフォーミュラ1での競技という最終的な野望に近づけました。坪井は次のように述べています。「その時までは、本当にただの夢のように感じていて、決して手に入れることができないものだと思っていました…チャンピオンシップを勝ち取ったことで、それを超える新たな目標を持つことができ、トヨタの一員としてF1に挑戦する機会が大きなモチベーションになりましたので、それを目指したいと思います。」
名誉あるフォーミュラ1の世界を目指す坪井翔の旅は、卓越性の追求とモータースポーツの高リスクな領域で夢を達成するための relentless drive を象徴しています。
