Yuki Tsunoda could take part in an IndyCar test later this month as his chances of returning to the Formula 1 grid appear increasingly limited. The Japanese driver has been linked with a possible outing for Meyer Shank Racing at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama on October 26, although the test has not yet been officially confirmed.
The opportunity could open a new route for Tsunoda’s career in North America. After making three appearances this year as an official Racing Bulls driver, the 26-year-old currently holds a third-driver role with both Racing Bulls and Red Bull, but his prospects of securing a full-time Formula 1 seat again are looking increasingly remote.
Yuki Tsunoda linked with possible Meyer Shank IndyCar test
According to RACER, Yuki Tsunoda could test for Meyer Shank Racing at Barber on October 26.
The situation remains unconfirmed, so the possibility should still be treated with caution. However, the speculation is strengthened by Tsunoda’s close relationship with Honda, which also supplies engines to Meyer Shank Racing.
That existing Honda connection could make the test a natural opportunity for both sides to evaluate whether a future IndyCar programme might be realistic.
Tsunoda has already driven an IndyCar
If Yuki Tsunoda does travel to the United States for the test, it would not be his first experience behind the wheel of an IndyCar.
He already drove an IndyCar in 2024 on the Las Vegas street circuit and came away impressed by the technical characteristics of the car.
A potential move to Meyer Shank Racing, however, would not be expected for 2027. Any opportunity there would instead be more likely to materialise in 2028, with other candidates such as Linus Lundqvist and Kakunoshin Ohta also understood to be in contention.
Tsunoda could nevertheless have a more immediate opportunity with Dale Coyne Racing if the right opening emerges.
Formula 1 return looks increasingly difficult for Tsunoda
A move to the United States could represent a significant new chapter in Yuki Tsunoda’s career because his Formula 1 future currently appears uncertain.
At Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson’s position for 2027 has yet to be confirmed, while Nikola Tsolov could be chosen to replace the New Zealander.
Tsunoda, however, does not currently appear to be under serious consideration for a return to the grid with either Racing Bulls or Red Bull.
Haas does not appear to offer an F1 route either
A Haas opportunity also appears unlikely. The expected departure of Esteban Ocon could instead be covered by the arrival of another Formula 2 driver, Rafael Camara.
With no major driver changes currently expected at the other Formula 1 teams for 2027, the available routes back onto the grid look increasingly limited for Yuki Tsunoda.
That makes a possible IndyCar test particularly significant. While nothing has yet been confirmed, an outing with Meyer Shank Racing could give Tsunoda the opportunity to evaluate a genuine alternative outside Formula 1 and potentially lay the foundations for a future move to the American championship.
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