Yuki Tsunoda, currently a test and reserve driver for Red Bull, has issued a direct appeal to rival Formula 1 teams for a full-time seat in the 2027 season. This follows his recent substitute appearance for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Tsunoda stepped into the Racing Bulls cockpit last weekend at Zandvoort after Liam Lawson was promoted to Red Bull Racing. Lawson filled in for Isack Hadjar, who sustained a wrist injury during training.
During his unexpected return, Tsunoda qualified 12th for the Dutch Grand Prix. He then finished the race in 11th position, narrowly missing out on points. This performance was noted given his limited experience with the current regulations.
The Japanese driver believes his showing at Zandvoort demonstrated his capabilities. He explicitly called on teams to consider him for a future role.
‘It’s up to my manager and also other teams who haven’t decided yet about next year’s lineup, if they want to have me or not. But they should. Call me, please!’
Tsunoda had lost his full-time F1 seat at the end of the 2025 season. His previous Red Bull contract had restricted him from engaging in talks with external parties regarding a 2026 race seat.
The 2027 driver market remains fluid. Racing Bulls currently fields Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, with reports indicating the team is leaning towards retaining them. Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov is also considered a strong candidate for a future seat.
Beyond the Red Bull family, potential openings for 2027 exist at teams such as Alpine, Aston Martin, Haas, and Cadillac. These teams have not yet finalised their complete driver lineups for the season.
Honda, set to partner with Aston Martin from 2026, views Tsunoda as ‘their driver’. This relationship could potentially influence a seat for him at Aston Martin, particularly if Fernando Alonso’s contract situation for 2027 remains unresolved.
Tsunoda’s manager, Diego Menchaca, has also explored options in IndyCar for 2027 as a contingency. However, Tsunoda’s primary focus remains securing a permanent position in Formula 1.
