Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA
Naoki Yamamoto, Toro Rosso
Prime
Analysis

Does the master of Suzuka have an F1 future?

The latest driver to try a Formula 1 car for the first time was, paradoxically, perhaps the most experienced at Suzuka last weekend. But even after a stellar practice debut, can Japan's most prominent racer realistically expect anything more?

Motorsport.com's Prime content

The best content from Motorsport.com Prime, our subscription service. <a href="https://www.motorsport.com/prime/">Subscribe here</a> to get access to all the features.

Suzuka is a hallowed place. It is universally loved by Formula 1 drivers and as a challenge and all-round experience the circuit may well be the greatest of the season. If a driver masters it, they command the respect of their colleagues. In this regard, the curious thing about the Japanese Grand Prix weekend is that arguably the best driver in an F1 car at Suzuka last weekend did not take part in the race.

In fact, Naoki Yamamoto only completed the opening practice session. But that was all he needed to turn heads. An F1 debutant he may have been. A Suzuka rookie he most certainly was not.

Previous article The inside story of how F1 kept the Japanese GP on TV
Next article Renault confident big teams won't "hijack" 2021 rules plan

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

USA