Super Formula Driver Sho Tsuboi Advocates for Engine Regulation Changes to Level Playing Field
Super Formula champion Sho Tsuboi is calling for a major revision of the series' engine regulations, pointing to a significant and increasing performance gap between Toyota and Honda powertrains. Tsuboi, who secured the 2024 championship with the Toyota-backed TOM’S team, emphasized after the recent Sugo race that the Super Formula promoter, JRP, needs to take decisive action to address what he perceives as Honda’s unfair power advantage.
Since the previous season, Honda teams have consistently dominated qualifying sessions, securing six out of eight pole positions this year and monopolizing the top three grid slots on five occasions. While Toyota-powered drivers Sacha Fenestraz and Nirei Fukuzumi have achieved victories in 2026, Fukuzumi's initial win at Suzuka was a direct battle against Honda, whereas his Sugo triumph was heavily influenced by a fortunate safety car deployment. Tsuboi, who finished seventh at Sugo, believes the situation has deteriorated to the point where Toyota teams and drivers are effectively competing in a separate 'Toyota championship,' unable to truly challenge their Honda counterparts under current conditions. He notes that even with the overtake system, Toyota cars struggle to pass Honda-powered rivals.
Tsuboi points out that engine development is currently frozen by regulations, implying that the performance gap should not be widening. He suggests that regardless of whether Honda has advanced or Toyota has fallen behind, the drivers unanimously feel a noticeable increase in the disparity. He observes that in previous years, the gap was manageable during the summer months, allowing teams to compensate through other means, but this year, the summer struggles are severe, making the upcoming colder months a significant concern. Tsuboi believes that JRP is aware of this issue and must act promptly to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all drivers. He advocates for clearly defined regulatory cycles, perhaps every three or four years, allowing for engine development within those periods. Tsuboi states he would accept a performance disadvantage if it resulted from a fair development race, but finds the current situation, where the gap widens despite frozen development, illogical. He suggests that the only alternative to a revised development framework would be for all teams to use identical engines, asserting that maintaining the current rules given the circumstances is unreasonable.
The pursuit of equitable competition is a cornerstone of any sport, fostering innovation and showcasing true talent. When regulatory frameworks inadvertently create significant disparities, it becomes imperative for governing bodies to intervene, not to stifle progress, but to ensure that success is earned through skill and strategic excellence on a level playing field. This commitment to fairness ultimately elevates the sport, inspiring participants and engaging fans with genuinely thrilling contests.