Formula 1: Naoki Yamamoto to Toro Rosso in 2020?

Will Japanese Super Formula driver Naoki Yamamoto end up being promoted to the Honda-powered Toro Rosso Formula 1 team for the 2020 season?

Scuderia Toro Rosso Franz Tost recently confirmed that he would like to see both rookie Alexander Albon and Daniil Kvyat back with the team in the 2020 Formula 1 season.

Days later, Albon was promoted to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, effectively the “big brother” team, to replace Pierre Gasly, who was demoted to Toro Rosso after driving for them in his rookie season last year and experiencing a rocky start to the 2019 season with Red Bull Racing.

Depending on how Gasly performs, it is possible that the team could end up retaining both him and Kvyat next season. If Gasly shows as much potential as he did last season, retaining him would make sense, and Kvyat recorded the team’s second ever podium finish and their first in 11 years in the German Grand Prix last month, so he should be back as well.

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However, Toro Rosso second-year engine manufacturer Honda may have something to say about it, especially if either one of these two drivers struggle throughout the final nine races of the 21-race season and especially after Gasly’s failed 12-race stint at the Milton Keynes-based team.

As a result, could Naoki Yamamoto drive for the team in the 2020 season?

Honda would like to have a Japanese driver competing in Formula 1 for the first time since Kamui Kobayashi drove for Caterham in the 2014 season, and they would like to have a Japanese driver driving a Honda-powered car in Formula 1 for the first time since Takuma Sato drove for Super Aguri in the 2008 season.

Yamamoto would be the odds-on favorite to be that driver if Honda get their wish and that is the route that Toro Rosso opt to take.

The 31-year-old Utsunomiya, Japan native has competed in both Super GT and Super Formula since the 2010 season, and he never driven anything other than a Honda-powered car. He is the reigning champion in both series and a two-time champion in the latter. He also currently leads the championship standings in the latter.

Yamamoto is already eligible for a superlicence, and Honda would also like him to drive for Red Bull Racing or Toro Rosso in a Formula 1 practice session at some point before the 2019 season ends. Look for him to be in a car during the weekend of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit given his experience at the track and his Japanese nationality.

It is worth noting that Naoki is not related to Honda Motorsports general manager Masashi Yamamoto despite the fact that these rumors stem from the former’s ties to Honda, so there is no direct family tie to one of the Toro Rosso seats for him.

Will Honda get their wish and see Naoki Yamamoto promoted to Formula 1 for the 2020 season driving for Toro Rosso? If so, will he replace Daniil Kvyat or Pierre Gasly?