Sho Tsuboi, the reigning Super Formula champion, has called for an immediate overhaul of the series’ engine regulations after a widening gaps between Toyota‑powered and Honda‑powered cars, according to Motorsport.com.
Unbalanced Power: Toyota’s Struggle to Keep Pace
During this month’s Sugo event, Tsuboi, who drives the Toyota‑powered TRD 01F with TOM’S, remarked that the disparity is “worsening” and that “Toyota drivers are racing in their own championship.” He cited the fact that Honda teams have claimed six of the eight poles in 2024 so far, while Toyota drivers have struggled to secure top‑three grid positions in any race.
“It feels like since last year it has become a lot tougher for us, but I would say the gap [to Honda] has become even worse this year,” Tsuboi told Motorsport.com.
Despite a few Toyota victories—Sacha Fenestraz and Nirei Fukuzumi crossed the line in 2026—only Fukuzumi’s first win at Suzuka was achieved in a direct duel with a Honda, and his Sugo triumph was heavily assisted by a safety‑car scenario. “Engine development is frozen by regulation,” Tsuboi added, suggesting that either Toyota’s performance has declined or Honda’s has risen during the winter months.
Two‑Litre Turbos and Years of Stagnation
Super Formula’s current engine formula, based on 2‑litre turbocharged units since 2014, has remained unchanged for Toyota, which last updated its TRD 01F (formerly Biz 01F) in 2019. Honda, meanwhile, has been using the Mugen‑tuned HR‑417E since 2017. The lack of new developments, Tsuboi argued, allows the existing imbalance to deepen over time.
“I think it would be good if we had three or four‑year cycles where developments can only be introduced once in that time,” Tsuboi said.
He proposes that periodised development—perhaps a three‑year window for Toyota, then a cycle for Honda—would create a “moving target” rather than a static disadvantage. Tsuboi is prepared to accept a Toyota shortfall if the balance remains fixed, but condemns a widening gap while development is barred.
Potential Remedies and the Role of JRP
One end‑game solution Tsuboi referenced is mandating a single engine platform for all competitors, but he dismissed this as “nonsense.” Instead, he urged the joint promotion body (JRP) to act swiftly “to allow us drivers to race properly with each other on a level playing field.”
Implications for the 2024 Season
With the turbo‑charged units locked in, Toyota teams may need to rely on aerodynamic innovations and setup strategies to bridge the gap. In contrast, Honda’s recent dominance at Sugo and its record of securing pole positions suggest the car’s inherent advantage remains intact.
Tsuboi’s remarks arrive as the series heads into the season’s summer sprint, a period where the performance differential has historically been “small enough that we can make up for it by other means.” If this trend continues, Toyota may find itself relegated to a secondary championship, unable to challenge Honda on equal terms.
Editorial Note
Tsuboi’s candid assessment underscores a critical juncture for Super Formula: the balance of power sits on a razor‑edge, and the forthcoming regulatory changes could tip the scales for the next season.
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