Is Super Formula faster than F1?

As a passionate sim racer and racing commentator, I‘ve had the pleasure of driving both state-of-the-art Super Formula and Formula 1 cars from the comfort of my virtual cockpit. And while F1 remains the highest echelon of racing technology, Super Formula continues its relentless pursuit for performance with spec hybrid powertrains producing over 540 hp.

After poring through the data, it‘s clear Super Formula has the pace to rival F1 cars, but the ultimate peak speeds still belong to F1. However, the rate at which Super Formula is catching up while spending just a fraction of the budget is deeply impressive in its own right.

Super Formula vs F1: The Core Debate

Looking at the headline figures, Formula 1 retains a slim but evident performance advantage:

• F1 hit a record 363 km/h speed trap time in 2022, vs 332 km/h for Super Formula
• The fastest Super Formula qualifying lap is over 1 second adrift of F1 at most circuits
• Open F1 engine development continues to push the limits of power and efficiency

However, Super Formula has been averaging year-on-year gains since its specification formula debut in 2019:

• Fuji Speedway polesitters are now over 1 second clear of F2 – the series Super Formula shares a chassis with
• Cornering speeds and G-forces match F1 in some areas thanks to wild aero packages
• Events like the Suzuka 1000km showcase SF pace – leading F1 cars by whole seconds

With a hard cost cap limiting how much teams can develop, Super Formula wrings every ounce of innovation possible out of its chassis and hybrid powertrain. The result is a car clearly faster than F2, but still a hair off the alien speeds of F1…for now.

Where each series stands out

Formula 1 and Super Formula represent two alternate philosophies attempting to reach the peak of performance:

F1 allows open development, spurring spending wars between giants like Mercedes and Red Bull in pursuit of infinitesimal gains via technical creativity or computational fluid dynamics:

• Develop bespoke engines, gearboxes, suspension and more in-house
• Test radical aerodynamic innovations like sidepod vanes and beam wings
• Hit the simulator to evaluate thousands of setup permutations

Super Formula mandates control parts, putting the racing spectacle first thanks to everyone working to the same budget ceilings:

• Only 2 engine suppliers (Toyota and Honda) and a common tub to fit bespoke aero to
• Greater diversity of driving styles instead of designing cars around a single pilot
• Races decided by strategic gambits with tire compounds and P2P boosts

The results speak for themselves – Super Formula frequently provides sensational wheel-to-wheel action that rivals any open-wheel championship. And with spec hybrid power pushing 540 hp, matched only by state-of-the-art chassis development from Dallara, these rockets are just getting started hunting down F1.

Beneath the skin – where Super Formula catches up

We can truly appreciate the stellar rate of Super Formula development when looking beneath the carbon fiber skin:

Cornering Speeds

With a minimum weight over 100kg lighter than F1 plus advanced suspension geometry, SF cars achieve cornering forces well over 5G. This translates to incredible turning speeds that allow drivers like Tomoki Nojiri to ignore physics.

Hybrid Power

P2P overtake assists add monster bursts of electric boost redeemable a few times per race. Combined with the lag-free response of spec turbo engines, SF delivers yet another area matching F1.

Driving Technique

Just like their F1 counterparts, Super Formula pilots train extensively to handle extreme G-forces and tactical machine management. Leading stars like Naoki Yamamoto exhibit a clinical yet combative style that resonates with worldwide fans.

When you examine these core areas, the Super Formula package offers staggering capability frighteningly close to Formula 1 – and with budgets twenty times smaller.

Conclusion: Super Formula represents astonishing value

There‘s a reason Super Formula is dubbed "F1‘s little brother". While clearly remaining in the shadow of Formula 1 technology for now, the rate at which SF hones in on the supposed pinnacle of racing proves the series deserves far more global admiration. Given the costs involved, Super Formula could well be the current sweet spot for open-wheel spectacle and speed.

So while F1 retains the performance crown for now, make no mistake – Super Formula is growing into a real beast quickly with its incredible technology access per dollar. With innovation curves continuing to rise, the day where SF can match F1 pace may arrive sooner than anyone imagined.