Chaos at the Corkscrew: Adachi Triumphs in Chaotic Laguna Seca Round as Tsuyo Cup Picture Begins to Lock In

Monterey, 10 April — Round 2 of the Formula Hololive International Series qualifiers at the Laguna Seca Raceway delivered high drama and heavy attrition, as Takeda Adachi, representing Ninomae Ina’nis in the #17 Formula car, claimed a breakthrough victory in a race ultimately decided under red flag conditions.

Originally scheduled for Lih Pao, the event was relocated to Laguna Seca following logistical delays at the Taiwanese circuit and to align with the TakoTori concert “Drawn to Dawn” featuring Ninomae Ina’nis and Takanashi Kiara at The Wiltern.

From the outset, Laguna Seca’s tight layout and elevation changes took their toll. Incidents quickly escalated across the field, with multiple drivers falling victim to spins, collisions, and mechanical failures.

Adachi, however, remained composed throughout. After starting outside the spotlight following a point-less Round 1, he steadily climbed the order, capitalizing on mistakes ahead and maintaining consistency as others faltered. By the closing stages, he had assumed control of the race, while also bringing home a win for Ina'nis and the Takodachis on the day she performed at the Wiltern.

Behind him, Haziq Yazid, driving for Shiori Novella in the #90, secured second place with a measured drive, further strengthening his championship credentials.

Mohd Shazren Redza, representing Koseki Bijou in the #14, completed the podium after a hard-fought race that included contact with Joshua Azurid. The incident resulted in a 15-second penalty for Azurid, though it did not affect the final podium order.

The race will be remembered less for outright pace and more for its staggering attrition rate. Among the most notable retirements were early championship leader Grave Prower, representing Mococo Abyssgard (#52), and Evelyn Kuromi for Elizabeth Rose Bloodflame (#53), both of whom failed to score after dominant performances at Fuji.

A total of over half the grid retired, including key contenders such as Alex Grant (Cecilia Immergreen, #34) and Hinochi Taiyo (Kaela Kovalskia, #58), further emphasizing the brutality of the circuit.

Even drivers who managed to finish were not immune to chaos. Ayrin, driving for Hakos Baelz (#85), and Ryan Kagawa (Pavolia Reine, #01) were classified in the final order but also recorded DNFs due to race-ending incidents late in the event.

With incidents mounting and the number of active cars dropping below a viable threshold, race control issued a red flag on Lap 59. The result was declared based on the running order at the time, effectively freezing the field and confirming Adachi’s victory.

The decision underscored the severity of the race, as officials prioritized safety and sporting integrity amid increasingly chaotic conditions.

Further down the order, epresenting Fuwawa Abyssgard (#25) despite her absence, driver Tawan Bhumin delivered a strong fourth-place finish, while Angela Sims (Anya Melfissa, #33) impressed with fifth.

Joddy Pranata, for Hoshinova Moona (#69), continued his consistent run with sixth, quietly positioning himself as a serious contender in the standings.

With two rounds completed in the three-round qualification phase, the road to the Tsuyo Cup begins to take shape.

Mohd Shazren Redza now leads the standings on 300 points, with Haziq Yazid close behind on 283. Crucially, both drivers have mathematically secured their positions in the World Tsuyo Cup, ensuring their place among the elite tier regardless of the final round outcome.

Takeda Adachi’s victory elevates him to third overall, level on points with Grave Prower, whose non-finish has significantly impacted his momentum.

Meanwhile, the battle for the remaining Tsuyo Cup slots remains fiercely contested, with drivers such as Ayrin (Hakos Baelz, #85) and Joddy Pranata (Hoshinova Moona, #69) still firmly in contention.

With only the Monza finale remaining, the stakes could not be higher. The top half of the standings will advance to the prestigious Tsuyo Cup, while the remainder will be relegated to the Zako Cup. As Formula Hololive's International roster takes a break, preparation is now underway for one more race to secure the remaining 10 Tsuyo Cup slots for the International roster.