He started racing karts at the age of 4 and won numerous races.

In 2017, he entered the FIA-F4 Championship through the Honda Formula Dream Project (HFDP), Honda's driver development program, and finished 3rd in the series.

In 2006, he continued to compete in the FIA-F4 Championship. He recorded 7 wins in the season and became the champion.

In 2007, he entered the FIA-F3 Championship with Jenzer Motorsport. He finished 2nd in Race 2 of Round 6 in Belgium and 3rd in Race 1 of Round 7 in Italy, achieving two consecutive podium finishes and his first F3 win in Race 2. Competing against young drivers from around the world, he finished his debut season in 9th place in the point ranking.

In 2020, he will compete in the FIA-F2 Championship with Carlin. He took his first win in Race 2 of the 5th round at the 70th anniversary event, and won 3 races overall for the season. He finished 3rd in the season ranking and fulfilled the requirements to obtain the super license needed to become an F1 driver. He was also the first Japanese driver to win the FIA Rookie of the Year award, which is given to the most outstanding driver out of all rookie drivers who have competed in all FIA-regulated championships.

In 2021, he made his F1 debut as the first Japanese regular driver in seven years. He finished 9th in the opening round of the season in Bahrain, becoming the first Japanese driver to score points in his debut race, and took his highest finish of 4th at the Abu Dhabi season finale. In 2022, he took a best finish of 7th at the Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna.

Remaining with the renamed VISA Cash App RB F1 Team in 2024, he continues as teammate with Daniel Ricciardo as one of the most charismatic pairings on the grid.