APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom

Yuki Tsunoda in Talks for 2027 IndyCar Switch With Meyer Shank Racing

The Formula 1 regular is in discussions to join Meyer Shank Racing's Honda-powered IndyCar programme for the 2027 season.

By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-18T07:24:21.000Z - 3 min read

Yuki Tsunoda is actively exploring a major career pivot across the Atlantic, with discussions now underway regarding a move to the IndyCar Series for the 2027 championship. The Formula 1 regular has emerged as a leading contender for a seat at Meyer Shank Racing, signaling that the Japanese driver is seriously weighing a future in North American open-wheel competition after several seasons on the grand prix grid.

The negotiations focus specifically on Meyer Shank Racing's number 66 entry. Securing that cockpit would provide Tsunoda with an established platform in the American series, marking a decisive shift in his racing trajectory. Rather than remaining tied exclusively to the European-centric single-seater ladder, the prospect of a full-time IndyCar campaign offers a high-profile alternative in a fiercely competitive championship.

An opening in the number 66 car is developing as a direct result of internal movements within the Ohio-based organisation. Marcus Armstrong currently handles driving duties in that particular entry, but the team intends to shift the New Zealander across to their sister number 60 car. That planned rotation clears the path for Meyer Shank Racing to recruit a fresh driver for the number 66 operation ahead of the 2027 season.

The connection between Tsunoda and Meyer Shank Racing is reinforced by the team's ongoing engine partnership with Honda. Tsunoda has maintained deep ties with the Japanese automotive giant throughout his ascent and tenure in Formula 1, making an alignment with a premier Honda-backed IndyCar team a logical extension of that manufacturer association. That existing synergy could smooth the operational transition between two distinctly different racing environments.

Setting the timeline for 2027 gives both the team and the driver ample breathing room to map out logistics and commercial arrangements. With negotiations starting well in advance, Meyer Shank Racing can assemble their future multi-car programme early, while Tsunoda retains the clarity needed to handle his current Formula 1 duties before embarking on any transatlantic relocation.

Should the deal cross the finish line, Tsunoda would join a notable group of contemporary grand prix drivers who have chosen to reinvent their professional careers in North American open-wheel racing. The move to IndyCar represents a demanding technical and cultural adaptation, requiring a driver to tackle a diverse mix of permanent road courses, tight street tracks, and high-speed ovals.

For now, discussions remain ongoing as both camps assess the framework of a potential partnership. While a final contract has yet to be formally executed, Tsunoda's pursuit of the number 66 Meyer Shank seat underscores a growing ambition to test himself on the American racing scene once his current Formula 1 chapter reaches its conclusion.

Back to all Formula 1 news