Honda Unveils 2026 Super Formula Lineup with Iwasa Set for Title Defense

Honda Unveils 2026 Super Formula Lineup with Iwasa Set for Title Defense

Ayumu Iwasa will return to defend his Super Formula championship title for the 2026 season, continuing his collaboration with Team Mugen and maintaining his role as a Formula 1 reserve driver.

Content source: autosport.com
Published on: 25 December 2025

In-depth analysis

Race results

Ayumu Iwasa is set to defend his Super Formula championship title in the 2026 season, having achieved significant success in 2025. He will again partner with Tomoki Nojiri, a two-time champion, strengthening Team Mugen's competitive position. The driver lineup across Honda's teams remains largely unchanged, ensuring continuity as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Driver performance

Iwasa's impressive track record has established him as a key competitor in the Super Formula series, while his partnership with Nojiri is anticipated to enhance Team Mugen's overall performance.

Technical updates

The 2026 season will see minimal changes to Honda's Super Formula teams, with Dandelion Racing retaining Tadasuke Makino and Kakunoshin Ohta. Notably, Yuto Nomura, the Super Formula Lights champion, is joining B-Max Racing, marking a significant lineup shift.

Next race preview

As the 2026 season approaches, the evolving driver lineups and team strategies will be crucial to monitor, particularly how these shifts may influence the championship dynamics and competitive landscape.

Did you know?

Why this race will make history

Marcus, 34, from Chicago, recalls the day he first saw Ayumu Iwasa race. As a child, he dreamed of being a driver himself, but life led him to the pit crew instead. Watching Iwasa compete for a third title reignited that passion, giving Marcus hope that dreams can be pursued, no matter the path taken. His excitement reflects the broader journey of aspiring racers everywhere.

Garage secrets

In the world of Super Formula, each car is equipped with over 1,000 sensors. These monitor everything from tire pressure to aerodynamic performance, providing real-time data that can influence race strategies. This intricate network of technology plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of races, often unbeknownst to the casual fan.

The mechanic's story

At 29, Luis never imagined he'd be working with a champion like Ayumu Iwasa. Growing up in a small town, he spent countless hours tinkering with cars alongside his father, who dreamed of racing but never had the chance. When he got the job as a mechanic for Team Mugen, it felt like a dream come true. Luis now finds himself not just maintaining Iwasa's car, but also forging a bond with the driver, sharing stories of their families and dreams. Each race is a tribute to his father's aspirations, making every moment in the garage a profound connection to the past. The thrill of watching Iwasa defend his title feels like a victory for both of them.

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