A LACK OF A CONTRACT WITH HONDA THREATENS TSUNODA’S INDYCAR SEAT
The 2025 Formula 1 season became a key moment in Yuki Tsunoda’s career. After several years as a full-time driver in Red Bull’s junior team and the main team, the Japanese driver entered the season knowing his situation was unstable.
After finishing 17th in the standings with 33 points, while his team mate Max Verstappen fought for the title, he lost his race seat to Isack Hadjar and was announced as a Red Bull reserve driver for 2026. While this role keeps him inside Formula 1, it rarely leads back to a full-time seat.
At the same time, another important issue appeared: Honda has not signed a contract with Tsunoda for 2026, Motorsportcom Japan reveals after a chat with HRC President Koji Watanabe. Tsunoda has been linked to Honda since 2019.
However, Honda has made it clear that Formula 1 contracts are between teams and drivers. Tsunoda’s previous marketing deal with Honda has ended, and talks about a new agreement are still ongoing.
This situation also affects Tsunoda’s options outside Formula 1. With few chances to return to the F1 grid, IndyCar became a possible next step. The series has welcomed many former F1 drivers and offers strong competition. Honda is also a major engine supplier in IndyCar, which made the move seem logical. Dale Coyne Racing, a team closely linked to Honda, appeared as a possible destination for Tsunoda as they still have a free seat alongside Dennis Hauger.
However, the lack of a contract with Honda makes this move more difficult. In the past, Japanese drivers who joined IndyCar often did so with direct support from Honda. Tsunoda currently does not have that backing. For a smaller team like Dale Coyne Racing, support from a manufacturer can be very important when choosing drivers.
Romain Grosjean has been in advanced negotiations with the team for that last seat in the past few months, and is directly competing with the Japanese driver. Grosjean has more experience in IndyCar, knows the tracks well, and has already raced on ovals.
In addition, HRC President Koji Watanabe has added that whether Tsunoda wants to follow another path in his career, they will not make it hard for him, letting the 25-year-old free with his decisions.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Yuki. After the announcement of his replacement at Red Bull, he was on the verge of that Indycar seat, but in Motorsport no one is ever stable even with a contract.
More information will follow up in the future.
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