Most Successful Japanese Drivers in Formula 1 History – Where Does Yuki Tsunoda Rank? 3fy25

In 1975, Hiroshi Fushida climbed into the cockpit of the Maki F101C, qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort and becoming the first Japanese driver to feature in a competitive Formula 1 session. Unfortunately, Fushida did not have much luck with his Maki F101C, as a blown engine kept him from starting the race.

Fushida’s F1 career did not unfold as he had hoped, but his valiant effort paved the way for his countrymen. By qualifying for a Grand Prix, he showed Japan that the pinnacle of motorsport was within reach.

Since Fushida, 20 Japanese drivers have featured in Formula 1, with Yuki Tsunoda the latest to represent the great nation. As Tsunoda begins an exciting chapter with six-time Constructors’ Championship winners Red Bull, we have decided to take a look at the best Japanese drivers to grace the grid.

us as we rank the most successful Japanese F1 drivers in history based on their highest-ever race finishes.

Let’s begin!

#8 Shinji Nakano – 6th (1997 Canadian Grand Prix) 2533k

Shinji Nakano made his Formula 1 debut at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, racing for Alain Prost’s Prost Grand Prix team. In Round 7, Nakano scored his first F1 point, finishing sixth in the Canadian Grand Prix (1 point). He repeated the feat in Round 11, claiming the sixth spot at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

In 1998, he ed Italian side, Minardi. However, due to Minardi’s lack of performance, he finished the season without scoring a point. The 1998 Japanese Grand Prix marked his final F1 appearance.

During his career, Nakano entered 33 Grands Prix, scoring two points.

#7 Kazuki Nakajima – 6th (2008 Australian Grand Prix) h3b3z

Kazuki Nakajima entered Formula 1 with Williams in the final race of the 2007 season — the Brazilian Grand Prix. He showed impressive pace, setting the fifth-fastest lap and finishing 10th.

Williams gave Nakajima a shot for the 2008 Formula 1 season, and the Japanese driver made the most of it. He finished seventh in the season opener in Melbourne, but Rubens Barrichello’s disqualification gave him the sixth spot. He also scored a couple of points at Monaco, becoming the first Japanese driver to finish within the points at this iconic circuit.

Nakajima retained his place at Williams in 2009, but due to a slew of micro-mishaps, could not score a point. He bid Formula 1 goodbye after losing his seat at the end of the 2009 season.

Nakajima participated in 35 Grands Prix, scoring a total of nine points.

#6 Ukyo Katayama – 5th (1994 Brazilian Grand Prix) e3u25

Ukyo Katayama got his Formula 1 seat with the help of his sponsor Japan Tobacco in 1992, with them persuading Larrousse to give him a shot. Unfortunately, Larrousse struggled with performance and reliability issues, leading to a disappointing campaign.

The following season, Japan Tobacco helped Katayama move to Tyrrell, but his fortunes did not improve. A 10th-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix turned out to be his best result.

The 1994 season, however, was a game-changer for Katayama and Tyrrell. Although he had to retire with car trouble in 12 races, the Japanese driver bagged three points-scoring finishes. His finest drive came at the 1994 Brazilian GP, where he finished fifth. He amassed five World Championship points in 1994.

Unfortunately, Katayama was diagnosed with cancer in his back. Although not life-threatening, it caused him severe pain, which led to his decline and eventual F1 retirement in 1997.

Throughout his career, Katayama raced in 81 Grands Prix, scoring five points.

#5 Satoru Nakajima – 4th (1987 British Grand Prix) 5v622e

In April 1987, Satoru Nakajima made his Formula 1 debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix. He was 34 years old at the time, making him one of the oldest debutants in F1 history. In only in his second race with Lotus, the debutant finished sixth, scoring his first point in Formula 1.

Then, at the British Grand Prix, Nakajima delivered his career-best performance to finish fourth. He scored another points finish (6th in Japan) before the season concluded. The 1988 season started positively, as he came sixth at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but it turned out to be his only noteworthy race of the season. His next points finish (another fourth) came in the final race of the 1989 season in Australia.

He spent the 1990 and 1991 seasons with Tyrrell but rarely looked competitive. Nakajima retired from the sport in 1991, having secured 16 points from 80 races.

#4 Yuki Tsunoda* – 4th (2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix) 868i

The last Japanese full-time Formula 1 racer, Yuki Tsunoda, made his debut with AlphaTauri (now Vcarb) in 2021. After a couple of scrappy starts, Tsunoda drove an impressive race at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing seventh.

At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Tsunoda expertly avoided Lap 1 collisions and eventually finished sixth in the race. His finest display, however, was reserved for the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He qualified in eighth place and gained four more positions during the race, finishing fourth and clinching 12 points. With 32 points to his name, Tsunoda finished 14th in the Constructors’ Championship.

After two underwhelming seasons in 2022 and 2023, Tsunoda bounced back with aplomb in 2024, scoring 30 points and finishing 12th in the rankings.

This year, he is on the same machinery as Max Verstappen. If he can capitalize on the opportunity, Tsunoda has every chance to become the first Japanese F1 race winner in history.

#3 Aguri Suzuki – 3rd (1990 Japanese Grand Prix) q2p4m

Aguri Suzuki made his Formula 1 debut on 30 October 1988, replacing the ill Yannick Dalmas at the Japanese Grand Prix. He drove well in the Larrousse-Lola but could not score a point. Across 1990 and 1991, he kept his seat at Larrousse, securing three sixth-place finishes and one historic podium in front of his fans at Suzuka. The excellent drive made him the first Japanese pilot to get on the F1 podium.

He drove for Footwork in 1992 and 1993, Sasol Jordan in 1994, and finally, Ligier in 1995. His only points finish across four seasons came at the 1995 German GP. He suffered a neck injury at the 1995 Pacific GP and immediately announced his retirement.

Suzuki took part in 88 Grands Prix, securing eight points.

#2 Takuma Sato – 3rd (2004 United States Grand Prix) 1js22

Fourteen long years after Aguri Suzuki’s exploits in Suzuka, Japanese F1 fans got to cheer for one of their own on the podium. Takuma Sato achieved the feat at the 2004 United States Grand Prix, finishing third in his BAR. He showed immense aggression and pulled off several thrilling overtakes to take the podium.

Sato made his debut with Jordan in 2002. The Japanese racer was quick but could not always keep his emotions in check. His finest drive of the season came in Suzuka, as he finished in fifth place.

During the 2004 season, Sato qualified four times inside the top three. Sadly, BAR suffered reliability issues, allowing Sato to complete only 11 races. He spectacularly scored points in nine of them. With 34 points, Sato finished eighth in the Drivers’ Championship — the best-ever performance by a Japanese driver. His heroics helped BAR finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.

Sato represented the Super Aguri F1 Team between 2006 and 2008 but could not replicate his heroics with BAR. Before leaving F1 and going on to win the Indy 500 two times,  Sato made 92 Grand Prix appearances, scoring 44 points.

#1 Kamui Kobayashi – 3rd (2012 Japanese Grand Prix) 2oz70

Kamui Kobayashi made his F1 debut with Toyota at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix, replacing the injured Timo Glock. He drove a fine race but finished outside the points. His first Formula 1 points came at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after he finished sixth.

Kobayashi ed Sauber in 2010. He scored his first points in Turkey before impressing in Valencia (7th), Silverstone (6th), Hungary (9th), and Belgium (8th). Kobayashi finished the season with 32 points.

The 2011 season saw him score 30 points, with a fifth-place finish in Monaco being the highlight of his campaign. The following year, he qualified 2nd at the Belgium GP before getting on the podium at the Japanese GP. He became the first Japanese driver on the Suzuka podium since 1990.

Kobayashi raised €8 million (£6.8 million) in sponsorships ahead of the 2013 season, but Sauber chose against renewing his deal. The Japanese F1 legend drove in 76 Grands Prix, scoring 125 points.