Honda president confirms Tsunoda ‘cancelled’ IndyCar test amid Cadillac F1 rumors

Yuki Tsunoda’s planned IndyCar evaluation with Meyer Shank Racing did not go ahead, and Honda president Koji Watanabe says the manufacturer was not involved in the discussions and only learned of the cancellation afterwards.

Tsunoda had been linked with a possible Meyer Shank Racing seat after losing his full-time role at Red Bull. Reports said he was expected to take part in an evaluation on 26 October, but the test never happened. Honda, Watanabe explained, understood that talks had been conducted between Tsunoda’s representatives and the team.

Honda says Tsunoda is free to choose his next move

Watanabe addressed the IndyCar discussions during the United States Grand Prix weekend. He met Tsunoda in the paddock on 23 October and said he encouraged the driver to decide what he wanted to pursue. Honda would prefer to see him remain in Formula 1, Watanabe indicated, but was prepared to speak again if that did not happen.

The comments underline the distance between Tsunoda and Honda over the test: the company remains connected to the driver through its academy, but Watanabe said Tsunoda is now an independent professional and makes his own career choices.

Tsunoda’s F1 prospects have become a renewed focus amid questions over Cadillac and Valtteri Bottas’ future with the team. Tsunoda’s representatives are in contact, while reserve driver Colton Herta is also in the mix. Cadillac is keen to have an American driver, although Herta has struggled in Formula 2.

Cadillac could decide Tsunoda’s 2027 options

Tsunoda returned to an F1 cockpit in August after an injury to Isack Hadjar led to Liam Lawson being called up to Red Bull. Driving Lawson’s Racing Bulls car, Tsunoda scored a point at Monza and called on teams with an opening to contact him. His return to Racing Bulls at Zandvoort had followed a last-minute call-up.

With most seats already filled, Cadillac is described as Tsunoda’s only realistic route to a full-time F1 drive next year. Meyer Shank Racing’s seats are currently taken, but an IndyCar move could remain an option for 2028 if he does not secure a place in Formula 1. Tsunoda had previously been linked with a Meyer Shank Racing IndyCar move, but the cancelled evaluation leaves that prospect unresolved.