Electric Cars

Emerging talent Oliver Bearman, representing the Haas Formula 1 team, has voiced profound surprise regarding the substantial increase in his self-assurance following the team's car enhancements introduced at the British Grand Prix. This pivotal moment has undeniably shifted the trajectory of his inaugural season in the elite racing series. The young driver's performance metrics have seen a remarkable uplift, showcasing a newfound comfort and capability behind the wheel, which stands in stark contrast to his earlier struggles. With a clear vision for the path ahead, Bearman and Haas are now firmly focused on leveraging these advancements to assert their presence in the fiercely competitive midfield landscape for the remainder of the championship.

The American-based racing outfit implemented significant modifications to their VF-25 chassis, notably a revised floor and revamped sidepod inlets, which were debuted at the British Grand Prix in July. The immediate aftermath of these changes saw Bearman achieve his strongest qualifying result of the season, securing an impressive eighth position on the grid. Although he ultimately crossed the finish line in eleventh place during Sunday's main event, largely due to a ten-place grid penalty incurred for a red flag infraction during practice sessions, his momentum carried forward to the subsequent Belgian Grand Prix.

In Belgium, Bearman successfully broke an eight-race streak without scoring points, finishing seventh in the sprint race, mirroring his starting position. The potential for further points in the Grand Prix was evident, but an engine malfunction coupled with a suboptimal strategic call relegated him to an eleventh-place finish. Undeterred, the twenty-year-old continued his strong form into the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he out-qualified his experienced teammate, Esteban Ocon. Unfortunately, a mechanical failure prematurely ended his race. Nonetheless, the undeniable progress demonstrated by the rookie over these recent race weekends is a clear indicator of his adaptability and the positive influence of the car's evolution, especially considering his challenging start to the year, which had placed him at the bottom of the driver standings among those who had competed since the Australian opener.

Bearman articulated his sentiments, stating that his newfound confidence materialized only after the Silverstone upgrade was integrated into the vehicle. He remarked on the profound sensation, describing it as "crazy" how consistently he has been able to replicate this positive feeling. He further elaborated that this elusive sense of comfort is something all drivers constantly pursue, and its attainment is truly extraordinary. When probed about whether these upgrades signified a genuine turning point in his campaign, Bearman emphatically concurred, expressing optimism for what he and the team can accomplish over the remaining ten race weekends. He emphasized feeling entirely at ease with the current car, a stark improvement from the previous iteration where challenging balance issues made finding comfort difficult. Now, with the team having successfully replicated a stable and competitive balance, he believes the potential for significant achievements with this car is immense.

The objective for the rest of the 2025 season is unequivocally clear: Bearman is determined to sustain his recent upward trajectory and play a crucial role in assisting the Haas team, currently positioned ninth, in navigating the intensely competitive midfield battle. He expressed a strong desire to maintain the performance levels witnessed in the past two races, acknowledging past missteps such as his penalty at Silverstone and missed opportunities at Spa. However, he remains confident in the car's inherent pace and the team's collective ability to progressively improve. With this consistent level of performance, Bearman anticipates securing valuable points as the season progresses into its latter half.

Paving the Way for Unaffiliated Competitors

The Shifting Sands of Team Affiliation in Super Formula

For many years, the Super Formula grid was predominantly composed of teams closely tied to engine suppliers Toyota and Honda, leaving limited opportunities for drivers not aligned with these automotive giants. TGM Grand Prix, once a bastion for independent talent, recently transitioned into a junior team for Toyota, further solidifying the manufacturers' hold on the series.

The Financial Realities and Evolution of TGM Grand Prix

TGM, initially operating as Team Goh, had previously offered a crucial lifeline to drivers like Cem Bolukbasi, Toshiki Oyu, and Nobuharu Matsushita, who sought a path outside the direct influence of major manufacturers. However, financial difficulties eventually led TGM to align with Toyota, becoming 'KDDI TGM GP TGR-DC'. This partnership, while providing financial stability, has inadvertently relegated the team to the mid-field, losing its former prominence as a hotbed of independent activity.

Delightworks Racing: A Beacon of Hope for Independent Entries

A new contender, Delightworks Racing, has recently emerged, signaling a potential resurgence for independent teams. Having launched last year and already making strides in Super Formula Lights, Delightworks Racing announced its intention to join the Super Formula grid in 2026. This development brings renewed optimism for a more diverse and competitive landscape within the series.

Matsushita's Resurgence and Delightworks' Strong Foundation

Nobuharu Matsushita, a driver who previously faced career uncertainties due to team cutbacks and funding issues, has found a new opportunity with Delightworks Racing. Supported by significant sponsorship from Team Mugen and Super Formula itself, Delightworks appears to be on a solid financial footing. The team's commitment to expanding to a second car in the near future further reinforces the potential for more independent drivers to enter the series.

An Expanding Grid and New Avenues for Non-Aligned Drivers

Delightworks Racing's entry contributes to a projected Super Formula grid of at least 23 cars next year, marking the largest grid of the century. Beyond Delightworks, other independent teams like ThreeBond Racing and the newly formed Triple Tree Racing are also exploring options for expansion and attracting international talent. This growth signifies an exciting prospect for drivers not directly affiliated with Honda or Toyota.

Maintaining Quality Amidst Growing Independence

While the increased presence of independent teams promises a more open and diverse series, the long-standing involvement of manufacturers like Toyota and Honda has historically ensured a high standard of competition. Their role in fostering talent, including international drivers such as Sacha Fenestraz, Zak O'Sullivan, and Oliver Rasmussen, remains crucial for maintaining the series' quality. The balance between manufacturer support and independent ambition is vital for a healthy, evolving motorsport ecosystem. The vision of a 30-car grid with a significant proportion of non-Japanese drivers, as outlined by JRP boss Yoshihisa Ueno, seems increasingly attainable with the rise of ambitious independent outfits.