A year of opportunity
At face value, it might be difficult to plot a return to the grid for Yuki Tsunoda. Upon closer inspection, however, there is a realistic destination for the 25-year-old in 2027.
As previously mentioned, Haas were one of the team’s interested in signing Tsunoda ahead of the 2025 season. It was only when the Japanese driver became unavailable that team principal Ayao Komatsu moved to sign Esteban Ocon.
Still, Komatsu is understood to be an admirer of Tsunoda’s abilities.
When asked about the possibility of signing Tsunoda in 2027, Komatsu did not rule out a move:
“I can’t comment on his future, obviously he’s not our driver,” Motorsport Week quotes him as saying.
“2027? I think we have to focus on 2026 with our drivers, and with brand new regulations.
“I think most of the drivers knew that [when they signed contracts in 2024] obviously, as they wanted to see how 2026 pans out and they wanted to pick a better team for 2027.
“That’s why the driver market is going to be so open for ’27.”
For obvious reasons, Komatsu is focused on his current driver pairing for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Nevertheless, there is every chance Haas could have one – potentially even two – vacancies ahead of 2027. Depending on how Ferrari perform this year, at least one of their existing drivers could leave the team.
Assuming this is the case, Oliver Bearman is the leading contender to join the Maranello squad. The British driver is highly rated at Ferrari, and is seen as an important asset for the future.
Ocon, meanwhile, is under pressure to improve his market value. Initially, even before approaching Tsunoda, Ayao Komatsu’s preference for 2025 was to convince Nico Hulkenberg to stay with the team.
A line-up of Hulkenberg and Bearman was Haas’ first choice before the 38-year-old signed with Sauber.
This means that Ocon, who was not first choice, needs to have a better season. The Frenchman found himself a few steps behind his rookie teammate last year, especially after the summer break.
If Bearman continues to outperform the Frenchman this year, it will further lower his market value – and boost Tsunoda’s position in potential negotiations with Haas.
It should be noted that Honda have said they would not oppose Tsunoda joining the US Squad, even amidst Toyota’s growing influence. Haas, therefore, represent a potential destination for the Red Bull reserve in 2027.
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Main photo: Andy Hone/LAT Images (Red Bull Content Pool)
