Yuki Tsunoda becomes the latest Japanese driver to secure points at home!

Tsunoda has become the first Japanese driver, since Kobayashi in 2012, to score a point at home. After two previous attempts Yuki finished 10th at Suzuka, managing to keep his starting position.​

©Redbull media pool

“I’m feeling relieved. After I lost some positions on the first start, I felt a little disappointment for sure, but at the same time, I just focused on the second start. I had a good one and was able to make up a few positions.” - Tsunoda, RB media following his result in Suzuka.

Three seasons into his career Yuki has collected 68 points.

​Before Yuki 24 other drivers represented Japan.

Here are the impressive few that have scored points for Japan:

Kamui Kobayashi 2009 - 2012 (125 points)
After being a test and reserve driver for Toyota in since 2017, Kobayashi finally made his formula one debut at the 2009 Brazilian grand prix and Abu Dhabi. Finishing off the season after replacing Timo Glock due to an injury sustained in free practise the previous weekend in Japan.
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After an impressive debut and withdrawal from Toyota, Kobayashi was signed by Sauber for the 2010 season.

Murray Walker stated at the end of the season that Kobayashi is "without a doubt Japan's best [F1 driver] yet" due to his aggressive and confident driving style that saw him out brake drivers car lengths ahead of him.

Sauber signed Kobayashi for the next two season which eventually saw the Japanese driver gain his maiden podium Infront of a home crowd in 2012.
Kobayashi is one of three Japanese drivers to stand on the formula one podium however was not signed for the 2013 ending his formula one career.

Takuma Sato 2002 - 2008 (44 points)
Although most famous for becoming the first Asian driver to win the Indy 500, winning the event in 2017 and 2020, Sato is one of three Japanese formula one drivers with a podium.

Maiden points were picked up during Sato’ at his home race where he finished 5th in his Honda powered Jordan. In 2004 British American (BAR) signed Sato to a seat after having him as a team test driver in 2003. 2004 became Sato’ most successful season, collecting his third place podium at the US Grand Prix, finishing in the points 9 out of 11 race. Sato finished the season in eighth, helping BAR secure second in the constructors’ championship.

After a disasters 2005 season that saw BAR banned from two races, including Monaco due to being under the car weight regulations, and another two race disqualifications Sato moved to Super Aguri to spend his final three season, as financial issues forced Aguri to withdraw for the sport.

Satoru Nakajima 1987 – 1991 (16 points)
Being named Japans first full-time formula one driver, Nakajima picked up 7 points in his rookie season. Competing for Lotus Honda he become the first Japanese driver to score points and later the first to record a fastest lap.

Nakajima went on to complete 80 grand prixs and 4 seasons in formula one however his rookie season would be his most successful, finishing 12th in the standings.

Kazuki Nakajima 2007 -2009 (9 points)
Following in his fathers foot steps, Kazuki Nakajima took part in two full seasons.

Making his debut at the Brazilian GP for Williams next to Nico Rosberg in the 2007 season finale, following Alexander Wurz retirement. Soon after finishing 10th in Brazil Williams signed Nakajima as a full-time driver in 2008 and later retained him for the 2009 season. Nakajima did not have the luck for formula one as a delay in the pit lane lost him points at the 2009 Turkish GP and poor pit strategy compromised a points finish the British GP.

Rubens Barrichello replaced the Japanese driver in 2010, ending Nakajimas F1 career. However, he went on to be successful in endurance racing, winning 24hrs of Le Mans three times! And winning the 2019 FIA World Endurance Championship.

Aguri Suzuki 1988 – 1995 (8 points)
The first to stand on the podium for Japan. Becoming the 8th driver from Japan, Suzuki made his debut in 1988 in Suzuka for Larrousse-Lola.

After failing to pre-qualify in 1989 with Zakspeed, Larrousse picked him back up again for the 1990 and 1991 season, which led him to third place at his home grand prix. Also setting the 2nd fastest lap.

However after his podium, Suzuki did not see much more success as he was out performed by his following team mates at Footwork and the again in Ligier. Suzuki ended his career as it started in at home in Japan, 1995, as he announced his immediate retirement following a crash that caused a neck injury.
 
Ukyo Katayama 1992 – 1997 (5 points)
Katayama, although competing in six season of formula one only classified as a championship finisher in 1994, placing 17th, where he picked up his five points.

Japan Tobacco arranged a seat for Katayama with Tyrrell for 1993 after his original seat with Larrousse left him with an unreliable car and a team-mate that saw the significant portion of the teams’ resources. Tyrell not providing much better.

Tyrrells car remained unreliable in the 1994 season, with the Japanese driver only season the chequered flag four times. However, the improvements made helped Katayama become a consistent top six runner.

Katayamas’ form declined in the following season before announcing his retirement at his home GP in 1997. Later he announced that he had been diagnosed with back cancer early on in his career, causing pain. His racing delaying his treatment. This diagnose allegedly denied him a seat with a top team.

Shinji Nakano 1997 – 1998 (2 points)
A short but sweet Formula one career, Nakano, collected 2 points with Prost Grand Prix team in 97’, each point form finishing sixth.

Bronwen Jones 
​writer @ F1 journal