‘Huge’ F1 rivalry could now prevent Yuki Tsunoda returning to the grid in 2027

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Yuki Tsunoda is eyeing a move back to Formula 1 in 2027, with Haas being mentioned as an option. However, his ties to Honda could prove an issue with their rivals, Toyota.

The Japanese driver is on the sidelines in 2026 following his exit from Red Bull. He is serving as the team’s test and reserve driver, helping Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar behind the scenes.

But Tsunoda wants to be back in a full-time seat and has been linked with a few teams in the paddock for 2027. At least one F1 team is interested in Tsunoda and the large commercial package he brings with Honda.

However, that backing could prove a problem for his return next season, especially with Haas, due to their tense rivalry with fellow Japanese giants, Toyota.

Honda’s rivalry with Toyota could prevent Yuki Tsunoda joining Haas

Tsunoda has been linked with replacing Esteban Ocon at Haas, with the Frenchman falling out of favour with team principal Ayao Komatsu.

Komatsu is a fan of Tsunoda, and the door could be open for him to return to F1 should Ocon not improve his results. However, his Honda backing is an issue, thanks to Haas’ relationship with Toyota.

The Japanese manufacturer have invested heavily in the team as their new title sponsor. Journalist Julianne Cerasoli has questioned why Toyota would allow Haas to sign a Honda driver after all that investment.

Talking about Tsunoda’s Haas links, she told UOL Esporte: “My question is the Toyota-Honda issue. Whether Toyota really wanted to pull a fast one on Honda, whether Honda would let that happen by letting Tsunoda go there, because, as you said, he’s a Honda driver, it’s a huge rivalry.

“And within that very same context, when Toyota increased their investment in Formula 1, they started investing in Formula 1 with Haas, they increased investment in young drivers to bring in the drivers to bring in their own Tsunoda, right?

“So there’s this investment there which, internally, you’re going to question, aren’t you? If it were, if it were to sign Tsunoda, why on earth would we be spending this money here on our own drivers?”

READ MORE: Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda’s life outside F1 from height to parents

Is it Haas or no one for Yuki Tsunoda in 2027?

Tsunoda’s links to Haas are strong, but if Toyota blocks the deal, the American team may not be his only option for an F1 comeback.

Alpine are another option for Tsunoda, with there being uncertainty surrounding Franco Colapinto’s future at the end of 2026.

It is likely that there is no path back to F1 with Red Bull for the Japanese driver, with Verstappen and Hadjar currently in place, and with Arvid Lindblad rising through the ranks with Racing Bulls.