Tsunoda linked with shock Meyer Shank move to IndyCar

Yuki Tsunoda’s future could be taking an unexpected turn, with the Red Bull charger reportedly emerging as a contender for a Meyer Shank Racing seat in the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series.

It remains firmly in rumour territory, but the possibility is intriguing. Tsunoda is already familiar with Honda’s IndyCar machinery, having tested a Chip Ganassi Racing car at Las Vegas in 2024.

And with a return to F1 seeming increasingly unlikely, a transatlantic escape route could suddenly become a serious option.

The pieces of the puzzle are also beginning to fall into place. Marcus Armstrong has signed a multi-year extension with Meyer Shank and will move from the #66 to the #60 Honda for 2027, leaving the #66 cockpit available.

Reports have now placed Tsunoda among the names under consideration, although Meyer Shank is understood to be exploring multiple possibilities rather than closing in on a deal.

From F1’s pressure cooker to IndyCar?

Tsunoda has previously admitted that IndyCar appeals to him – although the Indianapolis 500 represented a rather daunting prospect when he spoke after his Las Vegas test.

"If I have an opportunity and I feel it’s the right time, for sure I would love to,” he said at the time.

"I like the US itself, so I don’t mind living here as well. But I feel like it's not the time because I can’t imagine driving at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, more than a two-hour race and we do more than 200 mph or whatever every lap.

"For me, it’s scary. I can’t imagine myself driving more than two hours and being in that car. I don’t know. For now, I am not really aiming or thinking about IndyCar, but yeah, why not in the future?"

That final phrase – "why not in the future?" – suddenly looks rather more interesting.

Honda connection adds another twist

There is also a potentially significant Honda thread running through the speculation. Tsunoda remains closely associated with the Japanese manufacturer, while Meyer Shank operates Honda-powered IndyCars and has an established technical relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing.

The idea of Tsunoda trading the Red Bull garage for an IndyCar cockpit would nevertheless be a dramatic career pivot.

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For now, there is no confirmation that a deal is close. But with Meyer Shank’s #66 seat open and Tsunoda’s future uncertain, the ingredients for a very unexpected 2027 move are certainly on the table.

And after once describing IndyCar as something for the future, Tsunoda may soon have to decide whether that future has arrived.

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