Yuki Tsunoda’s Formula 1 career appears to be approaching a crossroads, with reports suggesting the Japanese driver is increasingly preparing for life outside the sport after the 2026 season. With opportunities on the Formula 1 grid rapidly diminishing and Haas reportedly no longer considering him for 2027, IndyCar is emerging as a realistic alternative should he fail to secure another seat.
The 26-year-old currently serves as Red Bull‘s reserve and test driver after losing his full-time race seat, leaving his long-term future uncertain despite remaining within the Austrian team’s programme.
Haas move reportedly no longer an option
According to GPblog, Tsunoda‘s chances of returning to the Formula 1 grid in 2027 have suffered another setback. The publication reports that Haas is no longer considering the Japanese driver as part of its shortlist for next season.
Earlier this year, Tsunoda had been linked with the American outfit as one of several possible destinations after his departure from Red Bull Racing’s race line-up. However, those rumours have reportedly cooled significantly, leaving him with very few realistic opportunities to remain in Formula 1.
Should a race seat fail to materialise, the report claims Tsunoda has increasingly begun evaluating alternatives beyond Formula 1 rather than waiting indefinitely for another opportunity.
IndyCar becoming a realistic destination
One option reportedly under serious consideration is a switch to the IndyCar Series in the United States.
While IndyCar does not enjoy the same global profile as Formula 1, it remains one of the world’s most competitive single-seater championships, offering strong manufacturer support, competitive salaries and a proven route for former Formula 1 drivers seeking to continue their careers at the highest level.
Several former Formula 1 drivers have successfully rebuilt their careers in North America, with the championship providing an attractive alternative for those unable to secure seats on the Formula 1 grid.
For Tsunoda, such a move would allow him to remain in top-level motorsport while pursuing race victories rather than continuing indefinitely in a reserve role.
Difficult Red Bull spell damaged Tsunoda’s prospects
Tsunoda made his Formula 1 debut in 2021 with Red Bull’s junior team before eventually earning promotion to the senior squad, replacing Liam Lawson during the 2026 season.
However, his spell alongside Max Verstappen proved challenging.
While Verstappen consistently fought at the front of the field, Tsunoda struggled to match his teammate’s pace, scoring points on just seven occasions across 21 Grand Prix starts. The disappointing campaign ultimately resulted in Red Bull removing him from its race line-up and reassigning him to reserve and testing duties.
Although he remains connected to Red Bull, there is currently little indication that another Formula 1 opportunity within the organisation will become available.
A crucial decision awaits
With the 2027 driver market beginning to take shape, Tsunoda faces one of the most significant decisions of his career.
If GPblog’s reporting proves accurate and Haas has indeed moved on from considering him, his options within Formula 1 will become increasingly limited. That would make a switch to IndyCar an increasingly attractive route for the Japanese driver to continue competing at the highest professional level.
Tsunoda remains part of Red Bull’s wider Formula 1 programme, but unless another team opens a door over the coming months, his next chapter may well begin on the other side of the Atlantic.
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