This time a year ago, Super Formula Lights race winner Sato was something of an unexpected choice to drive the Red Bull-sponsored machine that ended up being run by Team Goh following service provider Servus Japan’s split from previous partner Team Mugen.
With Japan’s border restrictions preventing a pukka Red Bull junior in the mould of Pierre Gasly or Dan Ticktum being sent over from Europe for a third year in a row, Sato was recommended to the energy drink firm by Honda, and was viewed as a younger, more promising option than the driver who had occupied the seat in 2021, Hiroki Otsu.
