Yuki Tsunoda’s plan to return to the F1 grid in 2027 is already taking shape
· Yahoo Sports
Yuki Tsunoda will be watching from the sidelines as Formula 1 returns to his home country for the Japanese Grand Prix, but there are some early signs that suggest he could be back on the grid in 2027.
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For the first time since 2020, there won’t be a Japanese driver at Suzuka. That year was just before Tsunoda’s debut, and now, four years later, he’s off the grid. Ironically, it was at this same race last year when he made his high-profile move to Red Bull.
In hindsight, staying with Racing Bulls might have been better for his career. Like others before him, he found it tough going up against Max Verstappen. He ended up losing his seat to Isack Hadjar and moved into a reserve role.
Yuki Tsunoda eyeing Esteban Ocon’s seat at Haas
Tsunoda’s camp has reportedly identified Haas as a possible route back into F1. The American team have had a strong start to the season, sitting fourth in the constructors’ standings with 17 points, all scored by Oliver Bearman.
Bearman has been linked to a move to Ferrari, but Lewis Hamilton’s recent form could put that on hold. That doesn’t necessarily close doors for Tsunoda, though, as there may still be an opening at Haas.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu hasn’t been shy about his disappointment with Esteban Ocon’s performances since he joined the team. This year hasn’t started much better, with Ocon consistently outperformed by the less experienced Bearman.
Ocon finished 14th in China after receiving a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with Franco Colapinto. Meanwhile, Bearman took an impressive P5 finish in the other car. While there’s still time for Ocon to recover, he remains under pressure early in the season.
“He still has so much time,” Komatsu said after qualifying in Jeddah. “I mean he needs to learn about this team and about this car so I don’t want him to do anything different from what he’s doing now.”
Yuki Tsunoda weighing up Alpine as a potential backup to Haas return
Tsunoda’s representatives are also said to be considering Alpine as a possible destination, especially following their recent switch to Mercedes power units. The team currently sits on 10 points after a double-score in China.
There have been some doubts around Franco Colapinto’s performance, but his top-10 finish in Shanghai was seen as an important step forward.
If the Argentine driver can keep that momentum going, it could make it harder for Tsunoda or any other candidates to break in.
If not, then Alpine’s past interest in Tsunoda could be revived, though newly-signed reserve driver Alex Dunne might be ahead of him in the queue.
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