The situation of Yuki Tsunoda perfectly illustrates the current harshness of the driver market in Formula 1: sidelined by Red Bull Racing, he has not been allowed to respond to other contacts immediately.
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After five seasons and an expected promotion at Red Bull Racing in 2025, the Japanese driver found himself completely helpless for 2026, a victim of both inconsistent performances and an accelerated internal restructuring with the rise of Isack Hadjar and the arrival of Arvid Lindblad.
In this context, the past interest of Haas F1 Team takes on strategic importance. The main team Ayao Komatsu was very interested in his compatriot as early as 2025, before Helmut Marko blocked the operation to maintain flexibility in managing the Red Bull talent pool. This point is key: Tsunoda was not rejected by the market, but artificially held back… before ultimately being sacrificed.
2027: several factors in favor of a Haas scenario
First, the sporting structure. Haas already has a strong technical link with Ferrari, but is simultaneously developing a commercial and strategic relationship with Toyota. Integrating Tsunoda, an experienced Japanese driver but protected by Honda, would make sense in terms of image and development, notably as a reference figure for young Japanese talents.
Next, the internal situation of the team. Oliver Bearman is gradually establishing himself as the sporting leader, while Esteban Ocon is under pressure, with performances deemed inconsistent. A medium-term replacement is therefore credible, and Tsunoda would represent an immediately operational option, already with solid F1 experience.
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Finally, alternatives are limited for Tsunoda. Despite his historical link with Honda, doors seem closed elsewhere: Aston Martin should keep Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, which blocks any immediate opportunity.
Exit Ocon?
In the end, Haas appears as the most rational path for Tsunoda’s return in 2027. It would be a classic “second wind” in an F1 career: a stint with a mid-field team to relaunch, with a potentially more stable and less politicized environment than Red Bull’s.
It remains to be seen if Tsunoda will be able to maintain his value as a reserve driver by then because in this market, inactivity is often the greatest danger. And especially to what extent Esteban Ocon will manage to save his place by at least matching his teammate Oliver Bearman, even though the latter could also be called by Ferrari in case of Lewis Hamilton’s retirement.
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