Yuki Tsunoda reportedly set for IndyCar test with Meyer Shank Racing at Barber on 26 October

Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly lined up for an IndyCar evaluation test with Meyer Shank Racing at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama on 26 October, a move that would open a new chapter for the Japanese driver as his chances of a full-time Formula 1 return fade. The report, first published by American outlet RACER on 13 October and picked up widely since, says Tsunoda is expected to take part in the test, although neither he nor the team has confirmed it.

What has been reported

According to RACER, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR), a Honda-powered outfit with close links to Chip Ganassi Racing, is planning to run Tsunoda at Barber, where nearly half of the IndyCar field is expected to bring drivers for evaluation or development running. The report presents the test as a chance for both sides to see whether there is a fit for the future.

The timing matters. RACER says MSR will run Honda's manufacturer charter entry in 2028, and that other drivers, including Linus Lundqvist and Kakunoshin Ohta, are also being considered for that seat. For 2027, the report notes that Tsunoda's options among Honda teams are limited.

The Honda connection

Tsunoda has been closely tied to Honda throughout his career. He came through the Honda and Red Bull junior programmes and spent five full seasons in F1, from 2021 to 2025, with the Faenza team and Red Bull Racing.

He lost his full-time seat at the end of 2025. This season he has made three appearances for Racing Bulls as a stand-in, but reports suggest a permanent return within the Red Bull family now looks unlikely.

RACER notes this would be Tsunoda's second time in an IndyCar, after an earlier demonstration run linked to Honda.

Why IndyCar makes sense

With F1 seats for 2027 largely filling up and his ties to Honda still strong, the American series offers Tsunoda a route to a full-time racing programme. Honda remains one of IndyCar's two engine suppliers, which gives it a natural interest in placing one of its best-known drivers in a competitive car.

The Barber date also falls on the Monday after the United States Grand Prix in Austin (23-25 October), so the test would take place in the same week F1 is in America.

What happens next

The test itself would not commit either side to anything. It would give MSR data and give Tsunoda a feel for a car that is very different from an F1 machine, on a road course that is new to him in competition. Any decision on a race seat would come later.

For Asian fans, Tsunoda remains one of the region's most high-profile racers, and a move to IndyCar would keep a Japanese driver in a major international single-seater series.

Key takeaways

• Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly expected to test for Meyer Shank Racing at Barber on 26 October.
• The test has not been officially confirmed by Tsunoda or the team.
• MSR is set to run Honda's factory charter entry in 2028, with several drivers under consideration.
• Tsunoda has made three stand-in appearances for Racing Bulls in 2026 after losing his full-time seat.

FAQ

Is Yuki Tsunoda leaving F1 for IndyCar? Not confirmed. He is reportedly set for an evaluation test, which does not commit him to a race deal.

When and where is the reported test? On 26 October 2026 at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, USA.

Has Tsunoda raced in F1 this year? Yes, he made three appearances for Racing Bulls as a stand-in during the season.

Sources: RACER, RacingNews365, News.GP, GrandePremio