Last year, discussions took place between Yoshihisa Ueno, president of Super Formula promoter JRP, and Suzuka race organizers to bring Japan’s premier national single-seater series to the event.
Super Formula left a two-month gap between its first round in March and its second event in May for F1’s support event to potentially fit in.
No Super Formula support slot has materialized for 2024, due to timing and paddock logistics, but in an exclusive interview Suzuka president Tsuyoshi Saito said he would be happy to host the series in 2025.
“The decision is also up to Formula 1, but Super Formula is a top racing category in Japan,” Saito said. “Therefore, it would be very exciting for us to have F1 and Super Formula on the same weekend.
“It is a possibility and we would welcome that option, but of course we are not in a position to decide.
“At the same time, we are not only focused on Super Formula. For us it is mainly about offering the fans the best combination throughout the weekend.
“Of course, Super Formula is one of those possibilities, but the most important thing is to have the best package for the weekend.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Without the presence of the F2, F3 or F1 Academy series, Ferrari Challenge Japan and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan honored the support bill at last weekend’s race.
Starting this year, Japan moved from its traditional autumn date to an April race, as part of F1’s drive to streamline the logistics of its record 24-race calendar and improve its efforts in matters of sustainable development.
As revealed on Friday when F1 and the FIA jointly presented next year’s calendar, Japan will retain its new place for 2025, becoming the third Grand Prix of the year behind Australia and China.
Saito said Suzuka was happy to accommodate F1’s date change request as it aligned with its own sustainability initiatives.
“We are globally aiming for a reduction in CO2 emissions to achieve our sustainability goals, also with regard to F1 logistics,” he explained.
“Formula 1 wanted to organize the races more in this region of the world, also in terms of logistics, in collaboration with Australia. This is why F1 suggested moving this race to spring rather than later in the year .
“Our company is also very focused on sustainability, so we accepted F1’s suggestion, also because it fits our own philosophy.
“I think we will stay at this time of year for a while because it fits with all Formula 1’s ideas regarding logistics. We are happy to agree with their decisions.”
Watch: The 2025 F1 Calendar – Does It Make Sense?
Last year, discussions took place between Yoshihisa Ueno, president of Super Formula promoter JRP, and Suzuka race organizers to bring Japan’s premier national single-seater series to the event.
Super Formula left a two-month gap between its first round in March and its second event in May for F1’s support event to potentially fit in.
No Super Formula support slot has materialized for 2024, due to timing and paddock logistics, but in an exclusive interview Suzuka president Tsuyoshi Saito said he would be happy to host the series in 2025.
“The decision is also up to Formula 1, but Super Formula is a top racing category in Japan,” Saito said. “Therefore, it would be very exciting for us to have F1 and Super Formula on the same weekend.
“It is a possibility and we would welcome that option, but of course we are not in a position to decide.
“At the same time, we are not only focused on Super Formula. For us it is mainly about offering the fans the best combination throughout the weekend.
“Of course, Super Formula is one of those possibilities, but the most important thing is to have the best package for the weekend.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
Without the presence of the F2, F3 or F1 Academy series, Ferrari Challenge Japan and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan honored the support bill at last weekend’s race.
Starting this year, Japan moved from its traditional autumn date to an April race, as part of F1’s drive to streamline the logistics of its record 24-race calendar and improve its efforts in matters of sustainable development.
As revealed on Friday when F1 and the FIA jointly presented next year’s calendar, Japan will retain its new place for 2025, becoming the third Grand Prix of the year behind Australia and China.
Saito said Suzuka was happy to accommodate F1’s date change request as it aligned with its own sustainability initiatives.
“We are globally aiming for a reduction in CO2 emissions to achieve our sustainability goals, also with regard to F1 logistics,” he explained.
“Formula 1 wanted to organize the races more in this region of the world, also in terms of logistics, in collaboration with Australia. This is why F1 suggested moving this race to spring rather than later in the year .
“Our company is also very focused on sustainability, so we accepted F1’s suggestion, also because it fits our own philosophy.
“I think we will stay at this time of year for a while because it fits with all Formula 1’s ideas regarding logistics. We are happy to agree with their decisions.”
Watch: The 2025 F1 Calendar – Does It Make Sense?