Shueisha has officially launched Hal Formula, a new manga series in Weekly Shonen Jump that shifts the magazine’s focus from the pitch and the green to the high-speed world of World Formula 1 (WF1) racing. Written and illustrated by Kento Terasaka, the series made its global debut on June 14, 2026, and is now available to read on both Manga Plus and Viz Media. The launch marks a significant addition to the magazine’s lineup, introducing a motorsport narrative that blends high-octane competition with a deeply personal family drama.
What Is Hal Formula About?
Hal Formula centers on Miharu Suzukaze, a young driver competing in the WF4 category—a junior feeder series to the premier WF1 championship. Miharu races for Adler Lights Racing, but his career is far from a smooth ascent. The first chapter establishes a protagonist who is struggling to find his footing on the track, failing to secure the wins that would propel him up the racing ladder. What complicates his journey is a responsibility that extends beyond the cockpit: he is the primary caregiver for his younger brother, Haruka. The narrative weaves together Miharu’s professional ambitions with the daily realities of raising his sibling, creating a story that is as much about familial duty as it is about the pursuit of speed.
Who Is the Creator Behind the New Shonen Jump Manga?
Kento Terasaka is no stranger to the pages of Shonen Jump. He previously authored Beast Children, a soccer manga that ran in the magazine, and Green Green Greens, a golf series that debuted in 2024. With Hal Formula, Terasaka moves from traditional team sports to the individualistic, technologically driven world of motorsport. This transition suggests a creator interested in exploring the psychological pressure of solo competition, where a driver’s success hinges not only on physical skill but also on the performance of their machine and the strategy of their pit crew. Terasaka’s experience in crafting sports narratives with strong character dynamics positions him well to handle the dual demands of racing action and the intimate brotherly bond at the story’s core.
When and Where Can You Read Hal Formula?
The series is being released on a weekly schedule. Chapter one is available globally now, and chapter two is scheduled for release on June 21, 2026. Readers can access the official English translation through two primary platforms: Viz Media’s Shonen Jump service and Shueisha’s own Manga Plus app. Both platforms offer the first chapter for free, with subsequent chapters available on a weekly basis. This simultaneous global release strategy has become standard for Shonen Jump titles, ensuring that international audiences can follow the story in near real-time with its Japanese publication.
How Does Hal Formula Fit Into Shonen Jump’s Current Lineup?
The launch of Hal Formula comes at a time of natural turnover within the magazine’s roster. In May 2026, the series Alien Headbutt concluded its run, opening a slot for a new title. The magazine has also recently promoted the one-shot Hitoner to a full serialization, indicating an editorial strategy that balances experimental concepts with more traditional sports narratives. Hal Formula fills a specific niche: a grounded, contemporary sports manga that does not rely on supernatural elements or fantasy settings. This positions it as a potential anchor for readers who prefer realistic competition stories, a sub-genre that has historically performed well in the magazine with titles like Haikyuu!! and Blue Lock, though those focus on volleyball and soccer respectively.
What Makes the WF1 Setting Unique for a Manga?
Motorsport presents a distinct set of storytelling challenges and opportunities compared to team sports. The action is not confined to a single field or court; it unfolds across a global calendar of circuits, each with its own character and technical demands. The drama is split between the driver’s physical endurance, the split-second decisions made during overtakes, and the strategic calculations happening in the pit lane. Hal Formula appears to embrace this complexity by focusing on the WF4 category, a lower-tier championship where drivers are still proving themselves. This setting allows Terasaka to explore the financial and emotional struggles of a racer who is not yet at the top, making Miharu’s journey more relatable than a story about an established champion. The relationship between Miharu and his brother Haruka also introduces a human element that can ground the high-speed spectacle in genuine emotional stakes.
What Does the Official Trailer Reveal About the Series?
To coincide with the manga’s launch, an official trailer was released that highlights key moments from the first chapter. The trailer provides a visual sense of the series’ tone, showcasing both the intensity of the races and the quieter, more reflective moments between the brothers. It serves as an effective promotional tool, giving potential readers a quick impression of the art style, the pacing of the action, and the emotional core of the story. For a medium that relies on static images, the trailer helps bridge the gap between the page and the kinetic energy of motorsport.
What Are the Early Impressions of Hal Formula?
While it is too early to assess the series’ long-term trajectory, the first chapter establishes a clear premise and a sympathetic protagonist. The racing sequences are detailed, suggesting that Terasaka has researched the sport thoroughly, and the character work feels immediate. The decision to make Miharu a guardian for his younger brother adds a layer of vulnerability that is not always present in sports manga protagonists, who are often portrayed as singularly driven. This dual focus could be the series’ greatest strength, provided the balance between track action and domestic life is maintained. The weekly release schedule will test whether the narrative can sustain momentum, as racing stories can sometimes struggle with the pacing of a serialized format where each chapter must deliver a compelling beat.
Chapter one of Hal Formula is available now, and the series will continue its weekly run with chapter two on June 21, 2026. For fans of sports manga looking for a fresh setting, or for anyone interested in a story about a young man racing for his family’s future, this new title offers a promising start.
