A pioneering Japanese Formula One driver who competed in 147 Grands Prix, earning respect for his speed and sportsmanship.
Aguri Suzuki, born on September 8, 1960, is a Japanese former racing driver, renowned for his impressive career in Formula One, Japanese Top Formula Championship, and Le Mans. He stands out as the first Asian driver to score a podium finish in Formula One, achieving a remarkable third place at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix.
Suzuki's passion for racing began at the tender age of 12, when he started racing karts in 1972. He clinched the Japanese kart championship in 1978 and made his debut in the Japanese Formula Three All-Japan F3 championship in 1979. His remarkable journey continued with a second-place finish in the All-Japan F3 series in 1983, driving a Hayashi-Toyota.
In 1986, Suzuki shifted his focus to touring car racing, winning the Japanese title with the Nissan factory team. The same year, he made his debut in Japanese F2 and drove in the Le Mans 24 Hours. His exceptional skills earned him the runner-up position in the Japanese F3000 series in 1987, winning one race at Suzuka.
In 1988, Suzuki participated in European F3000 with Footwork, before making his Formula One debut on October 30 at the Japanese Grand Prix, replacing the ill Yannick Dalmas in the Larrousse-Lola. He then joined Zakspeed for 1989, but unfortunately failed to pre-qualify in all 16 races.
Despite the setbacks, Suzuki's determination and talent propelled him to secure a seat with Arrows for 1990 and 1991, where he achieved his historic third-place finish at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix. This remarkable feat cemented his position as the first Asian driver to score a podium finish in Formula One.
After his Formula One career, Suzuki ventured into team ownership, co-founding Autobacs Racing Team Aguri (ARTA) in 1997. ARTA has competed successfully in Super GT, securing titles in both the GT500 and GT300 classes.
Suzuki's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish the Super Aguri F1 team, which participated in Formula One from 2006 to 2008. He also founded Team Aguri, which raced in Formula E from 2014 to 2016.
Aguri Suzuki's remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. His tenacity and pioneering spirit have inspired generations of racing drivers, particularly in Japan. As a celebrated figure in Japanese motorsport, Suzuki continues to be revered for his contributions to the sport.
49 Years Old
A Japanese IndyCar driver who won the Indianapolis 500 twice, in 2017 and 2020, and is the first Asian driver to achieve this feat.
39 Years Old
Japanese Formula One driver who competed for Toyota, Sauber, and Caterham, earning a reputation for his aggressive driving style and impressive performances in wet conditions.
73 Years Old
First Japanese Formula One driver, competing in 74 Grands Prix and later becoming a team owner and talent scout.
62 Years Old
A Japanese former racing driver who competed in Formula One and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, known for his speed and aggressive driving style.
55 Years Old
Japanese Formula One driver who competed in 33 Grands Prix, scoring two championship points, and later became a team owner and manager.
80 Years Old
A Japanese racing legend, known for his impressive career in Formula 1 and Japanese touring cars, earning him the nickname "Mr. 500cc".
