Is Naoki Yamamoto in the running for a Toro Rosso drive?

  • Published on 19 Aug 2019 15:37
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Red Bull's recent decision to promote Alexander Albon to the team in place of Pierre Gasly, who finds himself back at Toro Rosso, once again demonstrates the fast pace of the Red Bull programme. 

While Max Verstappen is set to stay at the energy drink squad next year, his teammate for 2020 is not yet known, as much will depend on the performance of Albon.

This could have big implications for Toro Rosso's line-up next year, as its current drivers are Daniil Kvyat, who returned to the team due to a lack of options, and Gasly who underperformed this year alongside Verstappen.

Honda has often cited its interest in bringing a Japanese driver to the sport, and it seems that the possibility is now closer than ever. 

Japan has been without a driver in Formula 1 since Kamui Kobayashi left the series at the end of the 2014 season, when Caterham dropped off the grid.

With Honda now supplying engines for two teams (four drivers), there is more room for it to push through one of its drivers - which Red Bull could very well be open to, given its respect and public praise for the Japanese manufacturer. 

Franz Tost recently stated that he would be open to taking on a Japanese driver if there was someone deemed good enough and available. 

Yamamoto, who is 31 years old, has competed in the Super Formula championship every year since 2010, and won the championship in 2013 and 2018. He also races in Super GT, winning the series in 2018.

Red Bull has a number of youths in its programme who are racing in the junior categories, however none currently hold a super license - however Juri Vips would secure his if he finishes third or higher in this year's FIA Formula 3 championship (he currently runs 2nd). 

A super license for Yamomoto isn't an issue, as he has his secured. It is also believed that Yamamoto could find himself driving the Toro Rosso STR14 during free practice one at Suzuka later this year for Honda's home event.  

It then begs the question - who loses out at Toro Rosso? Or will  Red Bul decide to once more fit two fresh faces in the junior team? Only time will tell. 

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • Oh yes please! He has been incredible both in Super Formula and Super GT, and regarding chances at F1. He ain't exactly young in F1 terms, but he is no doubt a proper talent. Likable and skilled, and he ain't without roughs when there is need for it.

    • + 0
    • Aug 19 2019 - 17:26

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar