Visa Cash App Racing Bulls have handed Ayumu Iwasa a FP1 run out at the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.
Iwasa previously drove in F2 for the last two seasons where he claimed five wins – three Feature Race and two Sprint Race victories, whilst he also took seven further podium finishes and three pole positions.
Iwasa also finished fifth in the 2022 season before he finished fourth last year but has since moved to Japan’s Super Formula for this season, and currently lies ninth in the standings after taking two points in the opening round at Suzuka – where F1 is visiting for the Japanese GP.
Taking to X to officially confirm his FP1 drive as he takes the seat of an under-pressure Daniel Ricciardo, Iwasa said that he is “excited” to be back in a F1 car after he previously drove for the team under AlphaTauri name in the 2023 post-season test.
I’ll be driving for FP1 of F1 Japanese GP!🏎️
I’m so excited to drive F1 car again! and it’s my first official session of F1.I’m very looking forward to drive Visa Cash App RB F1 Team car in front of many fans there!!!
F1日本GPでFP1に出走することが決まりました！🏎️… pic.twitter.com/3mE0PLsbr6
— Ayumu Iwasa 岩佐歩夢 (@ayumuiwasa_cars) March 26, 2024
Iwasa also is the first driver to fulfil one of the two mandatory FP1 rookie slots that each team has to fill across the entire season.