# Yuki Tsunoda IndyCar transition and F1 appeal developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/yuki-tsunoda-racing-career-transition > Updated: 2026-09-10T18:24:19.000Z. Sources: 43. Developments: 11. Yuki Tsunoda, a reserve driver for Red Bull Racing, is reportedly in discussions to join the IndyCar Series for the 2027 season. He is being linked to the #66 Honda-powered seat at Meyer Shank Racing (MSR), a vacancy expected to open as Marcus Armstrong moves to the #60 car following Felix Rosenqvist’s departure to Arrow McLaren. MSR co-owner Mike Shank stated the team is currently “vetting folks” and exploring various options across different motorsport series. Tsunoda’s potential transition comes amid uncertainty regarding his Formula 1 career. After losing his regular Red Bull seat for the 2025 season, he has been serving in a reserve capacity. However, he has indicated he does not intend to remain in a reserve role for two years, despite his primary goal remaining success in Formula 1. Tsunoda has been making emergency appearances for Racing Bulls following an injury to Isack Hadjar. Following a strong 11th-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, Tsunoda secured a 10th-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix, contributing to a double points finish for Racing Bulls alongside Arvid Lindblad, who finished 8th. Team Principal Alan Permane commended Tsunoda for scoring points in only his second race with the team. Consequently, Racing Bulls has confirmed Tsunoda will compete in a third consecutive race at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the Madridring. Audi F1 has officially notified the FIA of its intention to appeal the stewards' decision regarding Tsunoda’s conduct during a restart procedure at Monza. The dispute involves a red flag incident caused by Charles Leclerc; Audi contends that under Article B5. 9. 4 of the 2026 sporting regulations, Tsunoda should have started from the pit lane after causing an additional formation lap. ## Claims - Isack Hadjar (corroborated by 3 sources) - Yuki Tsunoda (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Yuki Tsunoda seeks full-time F1 seat for 2027 Yuki Tsunoda has declared he does not want to be a reserve driver again in 2027, seeking a full-time Formula 1 seat following recent substitute appearances for Racing Bulls. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-seeks-full-time-f1-seat-for-2027 ### 2026-09-10: Audi appeals FIA decision regarding Yuki Tsunoda at Monza Audi is appealing a decision regarding Yuki Tsunoda’s grid position at the Monza Grand Prix, a move that could grant Gabriel Bortoleto a point if a penalty is applied. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-appeals-fia-decision-regarding-yuki-tsunoda-at-monza ### 2026-09-07: Yuki Tsunoda scores points at Italian GP, confirmed for Spanish GP Yuki Tsunoda scored his first points for Racing Bulls with a 10th-place finish at the Italian GP and has been confirmed to race in the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madridring circuit. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-scores-points-at-italian-gp-confirmed-for-spanish-gp ### 2026-09-06: Audi F1 appeals FIA decision regarding Yuki Tsunoda at Italian GP Audi F1 is appealing a FIA decision not to penalize Yuki Tsunoda at the Italian Grand Prix, which could potentially award a point to Gabriel Bortoleto. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-cleared-by-stewards-following-italian-gp-restart-investigation ### 2026-09-05: Yuki Tsunoda faces qualifying setback at Italian Grand Prix Yuki Tsunoda qualified 17th at the Italian Grand Prix after technical issues with his fuel system and battery prevented him from advancing past Q1. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-faces-qualifying-setback-at-italian-grand-prix ### 2026-09-04: Yuki Tsunoda seeks F1 comeback during Racing Bulls substitute appearances F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda aims to secure a permanent regular seat after performing strongly as a substitute for Racing Bulls in the Netherlands. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-seeks-f1-comeback-during-racing-bulls-substitute-appearances ### 2026-08-26: Yuki Tsunoda seeks F1 return after Dutch GP performance After an impressive substitute performance at the Dutch Grand Prix, Yuki Tsunoda is calling on F1 teams to consider him for future full-time driving roles. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-signals-interest-from-f1-teams-after-dutch-gp-return ### 2026-08-24: Yuki Tsunoda returns to F1 with strong Dutch GP performance Yuki Tsunoda returned to F1 at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing 11th as a substitute for the injured Isack Hadjar. He expressed confidence in his performance and interest in future F1 seats. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-returns-to-f1-with-strong-dutch-gp-performance ### 2026-08-21: Yuki Tsunoda returns to F1 grid for Dutch Grand Prix Yuki Tsunoda returns to F1 with Racing Bulls at the Dutch Grand Prix, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar. Tsunoda qualified 12th for the sprint, adapting to the new 2026 car regulations. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-considers-indycar-move-amid-f1-career-uncertainty ### 2026-08-17: Yuki Tsunoda in talks to join IndyCar's Meyer Shank Racing Former Red Bull Racing driver Yuki Tsunoda is reportedly negotiating a move to the IndyCar Series with Meyer Shank Racing for the 2027 season. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-in-talks-to-join-indycar-for-2027-season ### 2026-08-02: Yuki Tsunoda determined to return to Formula 1, dismisses IndyCar move Yuki Tsunoda, Japan’s reserve F1 driver, vows to keep chasing a full‑time seat, rules out IndyCar and says only a temporary return to Red Bull is realistic. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuki-tsunoda-determined-to-return-to-formula-1-dismisses-indycar-move --- Cite as: Yuki Tsunoda IndyCar transition and F1 appeal developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/yuki-tsunoda-racing-career-transition