Satoru Nakajima: A Former F1 Driver Who Loves the NSX

📅 Updated: January 16, 2025

Did you know the development of the first-generation NSX involved insights from F1 drivers? While Ayrton Senna is the most famous name tied to this masterpiece, another key contributor was Satoru Nakajima, Japan’s first professional F1 driver. Nakajima shares a deep bond with Honda and the NSX, making his story a fascinating tale of talent, perseverance, and passion. Let’s dive into the journey of this remarkable racer!

The Humble Beginnings of a Legend
🚗 Satoru Nakajima was born on February 23, 1953, in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He was the youngest of four siblings, raised in a family far removed from the world of motorsports. His father, a former aircraft mechanic, worked on a warship, while the region he grew up in had a 300-year farming history.


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💡 Nakajima’s journey with racing began during high school in Nagoya, where he discovered kart racing. Despite showing early promise and winning local competitions, financial struggles forced him to work at a gas station to support his racing dreams. This combination of sheer determination and hard work eventually caught the attention of influential figures in motorsports.

The Rise to Stardom
🏆 In 1975, Nakajima claimed his first major victory in the FL500 Championship, marking the start of a promising career. However, the cost of racing almost made him give up. Fortunately, in 1976, he met engineer Ken Matsuura, who introduced him to the Heroes Racing Team. This collaboration led Nakajima to dominate the FJ1300 Series, winning multiple races and setting record lap times.

🌍 By 1978, Nakajima was competing in Japanese F2 and even participated in the British F3 Championship, a stepping stone to his eventual F1 debut.

F1 Journey: A Dream Come True
🏁 In 1987, Nakajima became Japan’s first full-time F1 driver, joining the legendary Lotus Team alongside Ayrton Senna. Powered by Honda engines, Nakajima’s performance was noteworthy, with strong finishes despite the fierce competition.

⚙️ Over his 5-year F1 career, he also raced for Tyrrell Racing, showcasing skill, endurance, and dedication. While his time in F1 was relatively short, Nakajima’s impact on motorsports in Japan remains unparalleled.

Life After F1: A New Chapter
👨‍👦 After retiring in 1991, Nakajima transitioned into team management, founding the Nakajima Racing Team. Under his leadership, the team excelled in Japanese F2, F3, and SUPER GT, with Nakajima continuing his collaboration with Honda.

💡 Fun fact: Nakajima’s sons, Kazuki Nakajima and Daisuke Nakajima, followed in his footsteps, with Kazuki becoming a full-time F1 driver and Daisuke competing in Japanese F3.

A Passion for the NSX
❤️ Nakajima has been a devoted NSX owner since its launch. As a driver who helped develop the car, his praise for the NSX is remarkable:

“The NSX rivals European supercars in performance, offering incredible speed and effortless drivability. It excels on the track and in everyday use, showcasing Honda’s exceptional engineering.”
Nakajima’s Legacy
Nakajima’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion. From humble beginnings in rural Japan to becoming a trailblazer in F1 and a devoted NSX ambassador, his influence continues to inspire future generations of racers.