Super Formula’s reigning champion Sho Tsuboi has added his voice to growing concerns over the competitive balance between the series’ two engine manufacturers, urging promoter JRP to consider an overhaul of the regulations. The Toyota-powered driver believes the current rules have left Honda with a clear performance edge that makes it impossible for Toyota to fight on equal terms.
Speaking in the aftermath of this month’s Sugo round, Tsuboi, who drives for the TOM’S team, did not hold back in his assessment. “At the moment, we can’t properly compete with Honda,” he said. “The gap is there, and it’s something that needs to be addressed if we want the racing to be fair.”
The comments come at a time when Super Formula, Japan’s premier open-wheel series, is enjoying renewed attention both domestically and internationally. Known for its high-speed, technology-driven racing, the championship has long been a proving ground for drivers and engineers alike. But behind the scenes, the balance of power between Toyota and Honda has become a recurring talking point.
Tsuboi’s call for action is not just about his own results. As the defending champion, his words carry weight, and they highlight a structural issue that could affect the series’ credibility. If one manufacturer consistently holds an advantage, the championship risks becoming predictable, which is never good for any motorsport category.
The history of Super Formula shows that performance swings between manufacturers are nothing new. In the past, the series has seen periods of dominance from both Toyota and Honda, often influenced by the constantly evolving engine regulations. However, Tsuboi’s suggestion that the current imbalance is severe enough to warrant a regulatory overhaul is a significant statement.
JRP, the organisation that runs Super Formula, has yet to respond publicly to Tsuboi’s remarks. But the issue is unlikely to go away. The series is known for its close racing, and any perceived unfairness can quickly become a major controversy. Fans and teams alike will be watching to see if JRP takes steps to level the playing field.
For Toyota, the situation is particularly frustrating. The manufacturer has invested heavily in its Super Formula programme, and its partnership with teams like TOM’S has produced multiple championships. Yet, if the current engine rules continue to favour Honda, those investments may not yield the results they deserve.
From a broader perspective, Tsuboi’s comments also touch on the delicate art of balancing performance in motorsport. Series like Super Formula rely on the participation of multiple manufacturers to create a compelling spectacle. When one gets ahead, the others may lose motivation, which can ultimately harm the entire paddock.
The Sugo round itself provided a stark illustration of the problem. While Tsuboi did not elaborate on specific details, his frustration was evident. He stopped short of calling for immediate changes, but his plea for an overhaul suggests that the situation has reached a tipping point in his view.
What might such an overhaul look like? Options could include adjusting the engine regulations to bring performance closer, introducing balance-of-performance measures, or even allowing more development freedom for the trailing manufacturer. Each approach has its pros and cons, and JRP will need to weigh them carefully.
In the meantime, the championship continues. Tsuboi and his Toyota-powered rivals will have to make the best of the machinery they have, while hoping that the powers that be listen to their concerns. For the fans, the hope is that the racing remains close and exciting, regardless of which engine is under the bodywork.
Super Formula has always prided itself on being a showcase of cutting-edge technology and driver skill. But as Tsuboi rightly points out, that showcase is only meaningful if the competition is fair. Whether JRP decides to act remains to be seen, but the conversation has certainly been started.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the performance gap between Toyota and Honda. If Tsuboi’s words lead to tangible changes, he may well be remembered as the driver who helped reshape the series. If not, the frustration will likely continue to simmer, and the championship’s reputation could suffer.
For now, the ball is in JRP’s court. The series has an opportunity to demonstrate that it listens to its competitors and is willing to adapt. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether Super Formula can maintain its status as one of the world’s most competitive racing categories.
