Yuki Tsunoda has not yet given up on returning to the Formula 1 grid. According to GPblog’s investigation with people directly involved, a move to IndyCar is not in the Japanese driver’s plans, at least for now.
Read more F1: Domenicali sees progress for GP return in Africa
After five seasons as a regular driver, Tsunoda lost his seat when Red Bull decided to promote Isack Hadjar to be Max Verstappen’s teammate. In 2026, the driver took on the role of reserve, remaining present in the paddock but away from the competition that marked his career in recent years.
The Japanese driver himself did not hide his dissatisfaction with the new routine. Asked by GPblog during the Hungarian GP weekend about how his season was going, Tsunoda answered directly: “Boring.”
A definitive return to Red Bull or Racing Bulls is considered unrealistic given the performance of Hadjar, Arvid Lindblad, and Liam Lawson. Nikola Tsolov, a standout in Formula 2, also appears as another name waiting for an opportunity within the structure. Tsunoda could still temporarily replace a regular driver in case of absence, but this scenario would not represent a permanent seat.
Read more F1: Crawford reveals behind the scenes with Alonso and Aston Martin’s plan
The Japanese driver was even linked to a possible move to Haas, but GPblog found that the rumors are unfounded. Tsunoda would also be interested in an opportunity at Alpine in place of Franco Colapinto, although this possibility also seems unlikely.
Despite limited options, the driver intends to focus his efforts on staying in F1. The investigation indicates that there is interest from IndyCar, with Honda willing to put their protégé in a car equipped with the Japanese manufacturer’s engine.
Tsunoda, however, does not currently consider a move to the North American category. His priority remains to find a new opportunity in Formula 1, even in a restricted market and with strong competition for seats in teams linked to Red Bull.
Read more F1: Vasseur promises aggressive Ferrari after McLaren’s progress
