Yuki Tsunoda Pursues 2027 IndyCar Opportunity with Meyer Shank Racing

Former Formula 1 driver Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly considering a career shift and a move to the United States for a 2027 IndyCar Series campaign.

According to Motorsport.com, Tsunoda is seeking the #66 seat at Meyer Shank Racing, which currently fields a Honda. Marcus Armstrong presently holds the position, but will transition to the #60 car as defending Indianapolis 500 champion Felix Rosenqvist is set to leave at the end of the season.

Having logged 111 Grand Prix starts since his 2021 debut—highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—Tsunoda spent the current season as a test and reserve driver for Red Bull Racing. With Formula 1 race seats highly competitive, his potential move to American racing mirrors the path taken by countryman Takuma Sato, who progressed from Formula 1 to become a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

The 26‑year‑old Japanese driver has some experience with IndyCar machinery, having driven a Honda at a promotional event in late 2024 before the Las Vegas Grand Prix. He then entered a Honda‑powered #93 Chip Ganassi Racing entry, receiving direct coaching from six‑time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, and completed two runs lasting about 30 minutes on a 1.3‑mile circuit near Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Jayce Illman / Getty Images

During a media roundtable, Tsunoda acknowledged the appeal of living and racing in the United States, while also recognizing the challenging nature of American oval racing and the iconic status of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“If I have the opportunity and feel it’s the right time, I would certainly welcome it,” Tsunoda said during the roundtable. “I admire the United States and have no issue living there, but I find the prospect of competing on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—covering more than 200 mph per lap for over two hours—intimidating. At present, I am not actively pursuing an IndyCar seat, though I remain open to the possibility in the future.”

This prospective scenario may be moving closer to reality as negotiations advance toward a possible 2027 debut.

When reached for comment, MSR co‑owner Mike Shank told Motorsport.com that no decision has been made yet and that they are evaluating all relevant motorsport categories comparable to IndyCar, while continuing to vet potential candidates.