Sho Tsuboi is poised to leave Super Formula at the end of the season and make the switch to FIA Formula 2. The 31-year-old is set to follow in the footsteps of Ritomo Miyata, who moved to the F1 support series after success in Japanese racing.
This comes amid Tsuboi's ongoing involvement in the Haas F1 team's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme. He appeared earlier this month in a TPC test at Jerez alongside current Haas reserves Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan, marking his third appearance of the year and fifth overall since his initial run at Fuji Speedway last July.
Toyota Racing vice-chairman Kazuki Nakajima wouldn't be drawn on specific plans for Tsuboi when asked by Autosport, but suggested that his outlook may have become more internationally-focused as a result of his Haas F1 duties. "We are happy to support not only Sho but all our drivers, and if they have certain targets, thanks to 'Morizo-san' [Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda], we are in a position to support it," said Nakajima.
Nakajima added that the decision is ultimately up to Tsuboi. "The first question is what his targets are for his future, but I hope his opportunities to drive for Haas may have had a positive impact on his future plans or his wishes. It's really up to him. If he wants to challenge things on an international level, I think there are opportunities, including with Haas."
Meanwhile, Miyata's future in F2 remains unclear. Despite scoring his first win at the Madring in what has been his most competitive season yet, the 26-year-old looks unlikely to stay. A return to Japan, where he would reunite with TOM'S in both Super Formula and Super GT, is a strong possibility.
In other news, Zak O'Sullivan will depart Super Formula to join Envision Racing in Formula E for the 2026/27 season. O'Sullivan, who spent two seasons as a simulator and reserve driver for the team, has spearheaded a renaissance for Team Impul this year, scoring the team's first pole since 2022 at Fuji and its first podium since 2023.
It remains to be seen whether O'Sullivan will see out the Super Formula season with Impul. One thing is for sure: the driver market is heating up, and Tsuboi's decision will be one of the main talking points.
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