Top 5 Japanese F1 Drivers of all time

#2 Kamui Kobayashi

Kamui Kobayashi claimed his one and only F1 podium in his home race.

There weren't many drivers who thrilled us during their time in Formula 1 more than Kamui Kobayashi. If there was one thing the Amagasaki native wasn't lacking, it was bravery, as he'd regularly pull off overtakes that few would even attempt.

Many were surprised at Toyota choosing Kobayashi to replace the injured Timo Glock for the final few rounds of the 2009 season. Kamui was 16th overall in the GP2 championship (today's equivalent of F2), but he was impressive from the off in an F1 car. The Japanese driver's staunch defensive driving almost earned him a debut point in Brazil, but his outright speed won him sixth place at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP.

Toyota exited F1 for 2010, but Kobayashi remained, joining Sauber, where he'd remain until 2012. Kobayashi was a cut above his team-mates for that year - Pedro de la Rosa and Nick Heidfeld - despite the pair's far superior levels of F1 experience. Kobayashi was again the fastest Sauber driver in 2011, as Sergio Perez joined for his rookie season in Formula 1. Perez would become one of the surprises of 2012, but Kobayashi was also impressive, standing on the podium for his home race in Suzuka, one of only two men to do so (the other being the aforementioned Suzuki).

Kobayashi is also the most recent Japanese F1 driver after he returned to the sport with the uncompetitive Caterham team in 2014.