Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda, linked to Formula 1, plans a remarkable transition to the IndyCar category from 2027, as reported on August 17, 2026. The change would represent a new phase in his career in single-seater motorsport.
Information indicates that Tsunoda is in the negotiation stage to occupy car number 66 for the Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) team, which uses Honda engines. This movement could mean the beginning of a second cycle for the driver in competitions in North America. The seat is currently occupied by Marcus Armstrong, who will move to car number 60 of the same team when Felix Rosenqvist, winner of the Indianapolis 500, leaves at the end of the season.
Since making his Formula 1 debut in 2021, Tsunoda has made 111 starts, with his best performance being a fourth place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the same year. This season, he has served as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull Racing. Given the intense competition for starting spots in Formula 1, a move to American motorsport represents an opportunity to continue in a high-level category. This route has already been successfully covered by his compatriot Takuma Sato, who migrated from F1 to become two-time champion of the Indianapolis 500.
At 26 years old, the Japanese driver already has some experience with IndyCar vehicles. He participated in a Honda promotional event at the end of 2024, just before the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he drove a car in the category. On that occasion, Tsunoda was behind the wheel of car number 93, with a Honda engine and prepared by Chip Ganassi Racing, receiving guidance from six-time IndyCar champion, Scott Dixon. He completed two sessions on the track, totaling approximately 30 minutes, on a circuit of approximately two kilometers near the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Speaking to the press during the event, Tsunoda expressed his appreciation for the idea of living and competing in the United States. However, he also highlighted the challenging nature of oval racing in the country, particularly highlighting the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway as an intimidating venue.
“If I get the opportunity and feel like it’s the right time, I would definitely love it,” Tsunoda said at the time. “I like the U.S., so I don’t mind living here, too. But I feel like now’s not the time, because I can’t imagine driving at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — a two-hour-plus race, going over 200 miles per hour (about 320 km/h) or something like that every lap. For me, it’s scary. I don’t see myself driving for more than two hours in that car. I don’t know. For now, I’m not really aiming or thinking about IndyCar, but, yeah, why not IndyCar? future?”
This scenario, previously hypothetical, now appears to come to fruition as talks for a possible debut in the 2027 season advance.
Mike Shank, co-owner of Meyer Shank Racing, reported that the team has not yet reached a final decision on the driver who will fill the vacancy. “We haven’t decided anything yet. We are talking to everyone in all categories of motorsport that are comparable or relevant to IndyCar. We are still evaluating interested parties and analyzing all types of options,” said Shank.
