Yuki Tsunoda Cancels IndyCar Test After Losing Red Bull Seat
Yuki Tsunoda canceled a planned IndyCar test with Meyer Shank Racing after losing his Red Bull race seat at the end of 2025, according to reports. The 26-year-old Japanese driver returned to action earlier this season when Isack Hadjar was sidelined through injury. Despite performing well during his return, Tsunoda has no realistic opportunities to secure a full-time Formula 1 seat for 2027. He subsequently explored a potential switch to the American open-wheel championship before abruptly calling off the evaluation.
Honda Denies Responsibility for Scrapped Test
Honda Racing Corporation president Koji Watanabe stated that the manufacturer played no role in the sudden cancellation of the Meyer Shank Racing test. Watanabe explained that since Tsunoda operates as an independent professional racing driver, negotiations took place between Tsunoda’s team and Meyer Shank Racing. Since Tsunoda is already an independent professional racing driver, we understand that this was not something we were involved in, Watanabe told the Japanese publication as-web.jp. Negotiations took place between Tsunoda’s team and Meyer Shank Racing.
Therefore, we only heard about the cancellation of the test later.
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Paddock Discussions on Future Career Path
Watanabe, whose company has supported Tsunoda’s racing career for years, met with the driver in the paddock to discuss his options moving forward. The executive advised Tsunoda to stay in Formula 1 if possible, while leaving the door open for future discussions if that goal proves unattainable.
I met with Yuki in the paddock and spoke with him for a while, Watanabe said. I told him, ‘You should do what you want to do.
It would be best if you could stay in F1, but if that doesn’t happen, we can talk again then.’
The driver evaluation in IndyCar remains off, and no alternative test dates have been announced as Tsunoda weighs his next career move outside of a permanent Red Bull race seat for 2027.