Yuki Tsunoda alongside Mick Schumacher in 2027? IndyCar test in the USA!

Yuki Tsunoda has always emphasised: “I am a Formula 1 driver, and I want to remain a Formula 1 driver.” The Japanese driver was not offered a permanent seat for 2026 and is currently working as a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing and the Racing Bulls.

When the Frenchman Isack Hadjar suffered a broken wrist during the summer break, he was forced to sit out the World Championship races at Zandvoort, Monza and Madrid. Liam Lawson moved up from the Racing Bulls to partner Max Verstappen as Hadjar’s replacement, whilst Tsunoda in turn replaced Lawson at the second Red Bull team.

Yuki performed respectably (his best result was 10th at Monza), but in every qualifying session and every race, the 19-year-old Englishman Arvid Lindblad was faster.

And more young talent is pushing from behind: Nikola Tsolov, also aged 19, is putting in outstanding performances in Formula 2 and will join the Racing Bulls sooner or later.

Tsunoda wants to race again. His prospects of doing so in Formula 1 are virtually nil. So he is setting his sights elsewhere. There has been talk for some time that IndyCar represents an alternative, and now Racer has become the first specialist publication to report that Yuki will be taking part in a test.

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23.10.2026 - 19:25

On 26 October, Yuki Tsunoda will drive a Meyer Shank Racing car at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama – the very team that won this season’s Indy 500 with Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist.

Meyer Shank Racing is an obvious choice, as Honda – Tsunoda’s long-standing sponsor – is MSR’s engine partner.

In 2026, alongside Rosenqvist (all races), New Zealander Marcus Armstrong (all races) and Brazilian Hélio Castroneves (seven races) will be driving for Meyer Shank.

Armstrong and the German Mick Schumacher are already under contract for 2027. It remains to be seen to what extent Tsunoda fits into this picture.