Yuki Tsunoda Still Targets F1 Return

Yuki Tsunoda is still chasing a return to the Formula 1 grid and, according to GPblog’s reporting based on people directly involved, is not considering a move to IndyCar for now despite interest from the American series and Honda’s backing.

That stance leaves Tsunoda committed to F1 at a time when his route back appears increasingly narrow. GPblog reported that he is “not ready to give up on returning to Formula 1” and that an IndyCar switch is “not on the table, for at least the time being,” even with Honda keen to place its protégé in a Honda-powered entry.

Tsunoda’s position matters because he is no longer fighting from a race seat. After five full seasons in F1, he moved into a reserve-driver role with Red Bull for 2026 when the team promoted Isack Hadjar instead. The job keeps him attached to a front-running organization, but it has also left him on the outside of the competition he is trying to rejoin.

He did not hide his frustration when GPblog asked him during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend how his season was going. “Boring,” Tsunoda said.

That blunt answer fits the reality of his current market. A full-time return through Red Bull or Racing Bulls looks highly unlikely on current form, with GPblog describing that path as unrealistic. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are both reported to be performing strongly, while Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov is also waiting in the wings as another candidate inside the wider Red Bull pipeline.

In practical terms, that means Tsunoda’s only short-term opening within the Red Bull structure would likely come if a current driver were unable to race. Even then, it would amount to a substitute appearance rather than the permanent comeback he is trying to secure.

The alternatives outside that system do not appear much stronger. GPblog reported earlier links to Haas had “no truth” behind them, removing one of the few rumors attached to his name. It also said Tsunoda is hoping for an opportunity at Alpine in place of Franco Colapinto, but described that scenario as unlikely as well.

All of that leaves Tsunoda in a difficult position. There is outside interest, and IndyCar would offer a visible next step with manufacturer support already in place through Honda, but he is not shifting his focus. Instead, he is continuing to bet on a Formula 1 return, even with the available seats for 2027 appearing limited and the competition for them growing stronger.