Yuki Tsunoda is keen to get back on the grid as soon as possible

Yuki Tsunoda finds himself in an unusual position following his departure from Red Bull’s racing programme, despite having finally secured promotion to the senior team last season after spending four campaigns with the junior Racing Bulls squad.

The 25-year-old Japanese driver struggled to accumulate points during his time with the main outfit and received news of his demotion prior to December’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Tsunoda remains on Red Bull’s payroll, taking up simulator and reserve duties for both teams this season.

He has publicly stated that he has been told “there is a chance that [2026] won’t be limited to just simulator work and being a reserve driver”.

Yuki Tsunoda was demoted by Red Bull just weeks after being promoted to the position | PA

His management are actively pursuing alternatives rather than waiting passively for opportunities to materialise.

Japanese media reports indicate that Tsunoda’s camp views both Haas and Alpine as appealing destinations for 2027, with the possibility of an earlier move not ruled out.

Both outfits have settled their driver arrangements for the current campaign, yet circumstances could shift.

Oliver Bearman appears destined to graduate from Haas to Ferrari within the coming seasons, which would create a vacancy at the American team.

Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto faces scrutiny at Alpine, where his seat could become vulnerable should he fail to deliver consistent points finishes.

Yuki Tsunoda’s camp views both Haas and Alpine as possible destinations| PA

These potential openings represent genuine pathways back to competitive racing for the determined Japanese driver.

A move to Haas would present a significant complication, however.

Tsunoda has enjoyed Honda’s backing for many years, with the Japanese manufacturer helping to finance his progression through the Red Bull system during their lengthy engine partnership.

Haas, by contrast, maintains a technical partnership and sponsorship arrangement with Toyota, Honda’s domestic rival.

This corporate conflict means Tsunoda would need to terminate his relationship with Honda entirely to have any prospect of joining a Toyota-affiliated team.

The decision would require severing ties with the company that has supported his career since his junior formula days, representing a considerable sacrifice for any potential Haas opportunity.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu previously explored the possibility of signing his compatriot in 2024, before ultimately selecting Bearman alongside Esteban Ocon.

When questioned about potentially rekindling that interest, Komatsu remained guarded whilst leaving the door ajar.

“I can’t comment on his future. Obviously, he’s not our driver,” he stated.

Regarding 2027 prospects, Komatsu emphasised immediate priorities: “I think we have to focus on ’26 with our drivers and with brand-new regulations.”

He acknowledged the fluid nature of upcoming negotiations, noting: “That’s why the driver market is going to be so open for ’27.”

The team principal stressed that delivering a competitive 2026 campaign remains paramount.