Tsunoda leaves door open for IndyCar: “I don’t want to sit out for two years”

Key takeaways

• IndyCar as Plan B: Yuki Tsunoda admitted he will look at other racing series if he cannot secure a full-time Formula 1 drive for 2027.
• Financial and timing hurdles: Links to Meyer Shank Racing face a $15 million sponsorship barrier and conflicting market schedules between Europe and North America.
• Brief Zandvoort return: Following Isack Hadjar’s injury, Tsunoda filled in at Racing Bulls for the Dutch GP, recovering to finish 11th after starting 12th.

Yuki Tsunoda substituiu Liam Lawson na Racing Bulls no GP dos Países Baixos do último domingo (23) e ainda sonha em voltar a pilotar na Fórmula 1 em tempo integral. No entanto, o japonês considera a Indy Yuki Tsunoda made a sudden return to Formula 1 action at the Dutch Grand Prix, substituting at Racing Bulls after Liam Lawson was called up to Red Bull to replace the injured Isack Hadjar. While the Japanese driver still harbors ambitions of returning to F1 full-time, he considers IndyCar a secondary option. In a press session attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO, Tsunoda made it clear that while F1 remains his top priority, he refuses to spend another full season on the bench.

Tsunoda’s name recently emerged among candidates for the open seat at Meyer Shank Racing—the squad that won the 2026 Indianapolis 500 with Felix Rosenqvist. However, negotiations face steep financial demands, with MSR seeking up to $15 million in driver-backed sponsorship.

Additionally, timing works against the Japanese driver. The 2026 IndyCar season is nearing its climax, with most 2027 seats already locked in or in final negotiations before F1’s driver market resolves itself. Although Tsunoda maintains long-standing ties to Honda, the manufacturer is unlikely to fund a full IndyCar transition due to upcoming commercial commitments.

At Zandvoort, Tsunoda outpaced teammate Arvid Lindblad during Sunday’s main race to finish just outside the points in 11th position. Speaking about his future, Tsunoda emphasized his stance:

“It’s not my job to worry about these things. I leave that entirely to my management, and my job is simply to drive as fast as possible,” Tsunoda declared. “My mindset is always focused on Formula 1. My main goal is to always drive in F1 and be successful. That will always be my mindset, whatever happens.”

“But I also don’t want to sit in the garage for two years. I want to race. If there is a possibility for that or if I can’t find a seat for next year, I will have to look at other categories,” he stressed.

“However, right up until the moment I step onto the track next year, my mindset will remain 100% focused on Formula 1,” he concluded.

The driver market update arrives as Ferrari details its partnership with Haas and support for Rafael Câmara’s 2027 F1 seat bid, while Honda highlights Fernando Alonso’s trust in its engine project. Meanwhile, Red Bull confirms Max Verstappen will take on 100 karts in a special event at Silverstone.

IndyCar returns this weekend with a double-header at the 1-mile Milwaukee Mile oval—rounds 16 and 17 of the 2026 season—located in West Allis, Wisconsin. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of the event. Follow all updates on our news page.

World Championship Standings (Top 5 after Dutch GP)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Why did Yuki Tsunoda race for Racing Bulls at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix?

Tsunoda was recalled by Racing Bulls to replace Liam Lawson, who was temporarily promoted to Red Bull Racing after Isack Hadjar suffered a wrist injury.

2. Which IndyCar team has held preliminary discussions with Yuki Tsunoda?

Tsunoda’s management team held exploratory talks with Meyer Shank Racing regarding an entry for the 2027 season.

3. What is the main hurdle preventing a move to IndyCar for Tsunoda?

The primary obstacles are the $15 million sponsorship requirement set by teams like Meyer Shank and the conflict between IndyCar’s early driver market timeline and F1’s late-season schedule.