Tsunoda set for IndyCar test as F1 options narrow
Yuki Tsunoda is set to sample IndyCar machinery later this month, with a reported test for Meyer Shank Racing marking a significant step as he considers his future outside Formula 1. The Japanese driver’s full-time F1 prospects appear limited, particularly within the Red Bull programme.
A report by Racer says Tsunoda will drive at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama on October 26. Meyer Shank Racing is affiliated with Honda, a manufacturer with which Tsunoda has strong ties. The team is also connected to Chip Ganassi Racing. Felix Rosenqvist, who won this year’s Indianapolis 500, drives for Meyer Shank Racing.
The test follows Tsunoda’s loss of a full-time F1 seat at the end of 2025. He has since been looking at alternatives, with IndyCar emerging as a possible route to a regular drive. Our report on Tsunoda being linked to a 2027 IndyCar move with Meyer Shank Racing looks at that prospect.
Red Bull’s available seats are increasingly difficult to reach
Tsunoda’s chances of returning to a full-time role inside the Red Bull group appear to be fading. Isack Hadjar, who replaced him at the senior team, has impressed and secured the 2027 drive. At Racing Bulls, the two seats are expected to be filled from Liam Lawson, Arvid Lindblad and Formula 2 prospect Nikola Tsolov.
Tsolov is expected to have earned his superlicence by the start of next season. If he does not secure a race seat, he could become reserve driver and take Tsunoda’s place. That outlook follows an earlier episode in Tsunoda’s Red Bull career, covered in our report on Helmut Marko blocking a move to Haas for 2026.
Haas appears to be the only outside F1 opening
Beyond Red Bull, Haas and Mercedes are the only teams said to have seats available. Mercedes is not expected to change its line-up, while Haas is preparing to make a change. RacingNews365 has reported that the choice will be Rafael Camara, Tsolov’s F2 rival.
Tsunoda did make three F1 appearances in 2026, covering for Lawson at Racing Bulls in the Netherlands, Italy and Spain while Lawson deputised for an injured Hadjar at Red Bull. His best result was 10th at Monza, earning one point. The upcoming test offers a chance to assess an alternative, as a full-time F1 return becomes harder to envisage.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.