Meet Juju Noda: Japan’s Youngest Female Super Formula Racer and Rising F1 Contender
At just 18, Juju Noda is making waves in the racing world, and her story is captured in the electrifying new documentary Juju. During a Super Formula test last December at the iconic Suzuka Circuit, Juju captivated Japan’s national media with her extraordinary focus and determination. She wasn’t just any new driver taking on Honda-powered Dallara SF23—the intense interest from fans and journalists alike testified to her growing influence and the excitement around her debut season.
Despite the immense pressure, Juju handled herself with remarkable poise, completing three days of testing without a single misstep. Her quick adaptation to the powerful SF23 car, just a step below Formula 1 in terms of performance, earned her respect from seasoned drivers and paddock veterans alike. Early in the new year, her performance sealed the deal: Juju would join TGM Grand Prix for a full season in Super Formula, a major milestone for the talented young driver.
Racing is in Juju’s blood. Her father, former F1 racer Hideki Noda, introduced her to karting at the age of three. By nine, she was already behind the wheel of a Formula 4 car, and at 12, she turned heads in Formula 3 machinery. International attention soon followed as Juju earned a reputation as a serious F1 prospect, competing abroad in Danish Formula 4, W Series, and Euroformula Open before bringing her skills back to Japan. With four seasons of international racing under her belt, Juju is ready to challenge the best drivers in her home country.
“I know I won’t be winning right away,” Juju says, “but I’m excited to learn and grow. Competing against Japan’s top drivers, as well as international talent aiming for F1, will push me to my limits.” Her time racing in Europe taught her resilience, adaptability, and the fierce, competitive edge needed to excel. “In Japan, it might be embarrassing to push yourself too hard, but in Europe, the only embarrassment is losing,” Juju reflects. “I’ve had to toughen up, and I think that’s one of my biggest strengths now.”
Juju’s presence on the Super Formula grid is historic. She’s the first Japanese woman and the youngest driver ever to compete in the series. But her focus remains on the race, not her groundbreaking status. “I’ve come this far because of hard work and support from my family and fans,” she says. “Being the youngest and first Japanese woman in Super Formula is a huge honor, but it’s my dedication that has brought me here.”
Under the guidance of her father, who serves as a team advisor, Juju has learned to harness her unique feel for a car’s behavior. “Her sensitivity to the car’s responses—how it reacts to track conditions, tire changes, braking—is phenomenal,” Hideki shares. “She’s still young, but her instincts are on par with any driver on the grid.”
In addition to Super Formula, Juju will compete in BOSS GP, where she will drive a Formula Renault 3.5 car, prioritizing her Super Formula commitments if there are scheduling conflicts. While the path to F1 is daunting, Hideki believes she has multiple avenues for success, including Formula E or other top racing series. “Whether she continues in motorsport or finds a different path, the decision is hers,” he says. “Right now, we’re just focused on giving her the best opportunity to excel.”
Juju, the documentary, explores her unique journey and the sacrifices that have defined her career thus far. Her story is not just one of racing, but of breaking boundaries, embodying resilience, and showcasing the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter committed to achieving greatness together.
For fans of racing and inspiring personal journeys, Juju is an unmissable film that captures the heart and determination driving Japan’s newest motorsport sensation forward.