The best F2 drivers that never reached F1 (Part 1 – Ayumu Iwasa)

Since its (re)creation in 2017, Formula 2 has, in theory, had the objective of preparing young drivers for Formula 1. But, despite the perception that the sequel of GP2 has failed in this regard, the truth is that there have been 21 graduates to the pinnacle of motorsport (22 if we count Roberto Merhi, who drove for Marussia in 2015).

However, not every driver that excels in this second division reaches their goals. There has even been occasions where being the championship winner has not been enough. Whether it be for financial or sporting-related reasons, I will be developing a list of the best Formula 2 drivers that never reached F1 (Formula 2 being the FIA category that started in 2017). But before, a few familiar names will be mentioned in the honourable mentions:

13.      Dan Ticktum

–             2018: 23^rd

–             2020: 11^th

–             2021: 4^th

Last seen: 2024-25 Formula E season (currently 7^th)

12.        Zane Maloney

–             2022: 26^th

–             2023: 10^th

–             2024: 4^th

Last seen: 2024-25 Formula E season (currently 23^rd)

11.        Sérgio Sette Câmara

–             2017: 12º

–             2018: 6º

–             2019: 4º

Last seen: 2025 ELMS LMP2 Pro-Am season (currently 7^th)

The list

10. Ayumu Iwasa

• 2022: 5^th
• 2023: 4^th

The Japanese driver debuted in Formula 2 the year after his rookie year of Formula 3 backed by Red Bull. Iwasa, who still remains associated with the team nowadays, competed in 2022 (5^th) and 2023 (4^th) with DAMS in said category and never stood a real chance against the likes of Drugovich, Pourchaire, or Vesti.

After earning his five victories in the second division, he has been both a reserve and development driver for the Red Bull structure. The Osaka-born youngster tested for AlphaTauri in 2023 before becoming their reserve driver and has completed FP1 sessions in Grands Prix for Racing Bulls in 2024 and for Red Bull in 2025.

Nonetheless, it seems like the possibilities of him starting a race are slim. Racing Bulls chose Liam Lawson as a replacement of forced-retiree Daniel Ricciardo for the United States Grand Prix in 2024. However, the lack of possibilities of moving up in the pecking order remained: his 2023 F2 team-mate Isack Hadjar overtook him to take the remaining spot in the Italian team, which was, back then, left without Lawson due to the New Zealander’s signing with Red Bull after Sergio Pérez’s sacking.

Even though, for a few months earlier this season, Iwasa seemed to be the first emergency driver in line for the Red Bull structure (that now has Tsunoda in the first and Lawson in the second team), Arvid Lindblad obtaining his super license, which gave him the permission to participate in the first Free Practice session of this past British GP, has changed all of this. It is a matter of time before the Brit jumps into a full weekend, probably as a replacement of the Hastings-born driver. For now, Iwasa’s future seems to lie in his home country, as he has been competing in the Japanese Super Formula since last year.