Yuki Tsunoda Heads to America: Honda and Meyer Shank Racing Spark New Chapter Beyond Formula 1
Following a reserve role in F1 and a newly crowned Overtake of the Month award, Yuki Tsunoda turns his sights to American motorsport with an upcoming IndyCar evaluation test backed by Honda and Meyer Shank Racing.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — When one door closes in the hyper-exclusive paddock of Formula 1, another opens across the Atlantic in the high-adrenaline world of American open-wheel racing.
Following his transition to Red Bull and Racing Bulls reserve driver duties at the end of 2025, Japanese sensation Yuki Tsunoda is officially preparing to launch a dynamic new chapter in his racing career. Reports confirmed on October 13 that Tsunoda will travel to Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama on October 26 to take part in an official IndyCar Series evaluation test with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR).
The strategic test is anchored by long-time partner Honda, whose deep technical support continues to guide Tsunoda’s professional trajectory. MSR, fresh off winning the 2026 Indianapolis 500, represents one of IndyCar’s most formidable Honda-backed outfits. While an immediate full-time seat for 2027 remains logistically tight, motorsport insiders view the Barber outing as a foundational stepping stone for MSR’s long-term driver lineup heading into 2028.
Tsunoda's pivot to North America arrives alongside a reminder of his raw racecraft. Earlier this week, Formula 1 officially awarded Tsunoda the September "Overtake of the Month" honor for his thrilling, late-braking pass on Alpine’s Pierre Gasly during a substitute appearance at Zandvoort—a drive that complemented a solid points finish at Monza.
"Every time I get into a race car, whether in Europe or America, the objective is the same: attack," Tsunoda reflected regarding his upcoming test.
As the 26-year-old prepares to experience the raw mechanical downforce and physical demands of IndyCar machinery, his transition highlights a growing trend of elite international talent embracing American motorsport to redefine their career legacies.