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Yuki Tsunoda’s team already targeting two ‘attractive’ F1 seats for the 2027 season

Originally posted on HITC | By David Comerford | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 1:00 PM ET

Yuki Tsunoda is off the Formula 1 grid for 2026, shifting into a reserve role within the Red Bull organisation. He had been on the starting grid every year since his debut in 2021.

Tsunoda’s future has been uncertain for a while, especially with Isack Hadjar impressing at Racing Bulls. Throughout the season, Tsunoda struggled to put together consistent points finishes.

There was some talk of him rejoining Racing Bulls – something other former Verstappen teammates have managed before – but they went with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad instead.

Tsunoda’s ongoing relationship with Honda kept him involved – Red Bull still needs access to their engines for testing purposes – but he understands that any real shot at returning to an F1 seat will likely need to come from outside the Red Bull system.

Yuki Tsunoda eyes Haas and Alpine as paths back to F1

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Tsunoda believes there’s a possibility he could do more than just fill a reserve role next year, though that would depend on one of the Red Bull-backed drivers either becoming unavailable or losing their seat mid-season.

He can’t rely on those scenarios, but there is an ‘obvious and natural’ connection with Aston Martin, who are set to run Honda engines starting this season.

Right now, Tsunoda and his team are looking at Haas and Alpine as potential routes back onto the grid. Both teams are seen as ‘attractive’ options for 2027.

If Ferrari decides to move Oliver Bearman up to the main team, that could open a spot at Haas. Over at Alpine, if Franco Colapinto doesn’t hit expectations, there could be room alongside Pierre Gasly.

Yuki Tsunoda may need to cut Honda ties for Haas opportunity

Ayao Komatsu, the Haas team principal, is a strong admirer of Tsunoda. With Haas now linked up with Toyota, there could be interest in bringing Japan’s top racing talent into the fold.

That move would almost certainly require Tsunoda to end his relationship with Honda.

Alpine were reportedly keen on Tsunoda for 2025, but the timing didn’t work out. He wasn’t informed of Red Bull’s decision until December, by which point both Alpine seats were already taken.

While Sergio Perez and Alex Albon managed to find their way back into F1 after being dropped by Red Bull, Kravitz isn’t convinced that Tsunoda will do the same. The 25-year-old has scored 124 points from 111 race starts so far.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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