Former Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda has been linked with a full-time switch to IndyCar, following a chain of events triggered by a McLaren signing in the series.
Tsunoda came through the Red Bull academy during the team’s partnership with Honda, making his full-time F1 debut with AlphaTauri in 2021.
The Japanese driver remained at Red Bull’s junior outfit, Racing Bulls, through to the start of the 2025 campaign before earning a promotion to the senior team.
Tsunoda was called up to partner Max Verstappen after just two races of the season, following Liam Lawson’s struggles to make an impression at Red Bull.
However, Tsunoda’s own tenure at the top team proved difficult, with the driver scoring points at only seven grands prix throughout his time there.
His seat was ultimately handed to Isack Hadjar ahead of the 2026 season, leaving Tsunoda without a race drive for the first time in several years.
Tsunoda currently serves as test and reserve driver for both Red Bull’s senior and junior teams, keeping him within the Red Bull stable for now.
According to Motorsport.com, the former F1 racer is now eyeing a drive in IndyCar, specifically the No. 66 seat at Meyer Shank Racing, which runs with Honda engines.
The vacancy is expected to open up because Marcus Armstrong, who currently pilots the No. 66 car, is set to move into the No. 60 next year, replacing Felix Rosenqvist.
Rosenqvist has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren’s IndyCar outfit, which has set off the chain of seat changes that could ultimately benefit Tsunoda heading into 2027.
The Meyer Shank Racing link is not the only option reportedly on the table, as Tsunoda has also been connected to a potential return to the Formula 1 grid with Haas.
Nothing concrete has emerged from the Haas speculation as of yet, leaving IndyCar as a genuinely compelling alternative for the experienced Japanese driver.
A move to Meyer Shank Racing would give Tsunoda the chance to race competitively again and demonstrate his ability in a full-time seat away from Formula 1.
With Honda connections shared between his former F1 teams and Meyer Shank Racing, a technical and cultural fit could make the link even more appealing for all parties.