Yuki Tsunoda set for important test as dreams of F1 comeback dwindle

Yuki Tsunoda is set to take part in an upcoming IndyCar test later this month as he continues to evaluate his options outside of F1, according to reports.

The Japanese driver lost his full-time F1 race seat at the end of 2025, and with options for a full-time return scarce, he has begun to look elsewhere for a full-time drive, with attention falling on IndyCar.

Racer has reported that Tsunoda is to drive at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama at an upcoming test session on October 26th, for the Meyer Shank Racing team - the squad with which Felix Rosenqvist won this year's Indianapolis 500.

MSR is a Honda-affiliated team, with Tsunoda himself enjoying strong links to the manufacturer. MSR is also linked to series powerhouse operation Chip Ganassi Racing.

Tsunoda's prospects of a full-time F1 return appear over, within the Red Bull ecosystem at least.

His replacement at the senior team, Isack Hadjar, has performed strongly and been rewarded with the 2027 drive, whilst the two seats at Racing Bulls will be filled from two drivers from incumbents Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, and F2 protege Nikola Tsolov.

By the start of next season, Tsolov is expected to have earned his superlicence, meaning if he does not get the nod for a race seat, he could act as reserve driver, and take Tsunoda's place.

Outside of the Red Bull family, the only two teams who have available seats are Haas and Mercedes, the latter of which will not be changing its line-up.

Haas will be, but as RacingNews365 has reported, the nod will be going to Tsolov's F2 rival Rafael Camara.

Tsunoda has raced in F1 in 2026, completing three races for Racing Bulls in the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain as cover for Lawson whilst he deputised for an injured Hadjar at Red Bull. He took a best finish of 10th at Monza, earning one point.