Yuki Tsunoda could have Alpine comeback opportunity as doubts emerge over Franco Colapinto’s future

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Yuki Tsunoda may not have to wait too much longer to return to Formula 1 as Alpine and Haas weigh their driver options.

Red Bull haven’t closed the door on Tsunoda, as he currently serves as their reserve driver. But it is expected that the Japanese driver will have to leave the team to earn a seat on the grid again.

While fans are sceptical about Tsunoda’s comeback, the Japanese driver has had his eye on certain teams for a possible return.

Should Yuki Tsunoda really be thanking Helmut Marko?

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Tsunoda was eyeing Esteban Ocon’s Haas seat as a possible option for his return. However, Helmut Marko shut the move down as it pertains to 2026.

But heading into 2027, the futures of both Franco Colapinto and Esteban Ocon are up in the air, which could give Yuki Tsunoda a chance to return.

READ MORE: Yuki Tsunoda says he left Liam Lawson a ‘stunning car’ at Racing Bulls in 2025

Franco Colapinto and Esteban Ocon’s F1 futures are not ‘a given’ as driver market uncertainty looms

According to a report by Motorsport Italy, both Franco Colapinto and Esteban Ocon are in the hot seat right now, as Alpine and Haas, respectively, are underwhelmed by their performances so far this season.

This lack of confidence, combined with the unknown future of veteran drivers like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen has created a wildly unpredictable driver market for next year.

According to the report, Yuki Tsunoda is one of the names Alpine could bring in to replace Colapinto, given that the two sides have been interested in working with each other.

Tsunoda’s camp have eyed Alpine as a possible destination for the Japanese driver’s return to the grid, along with Haas.

While there is no mention of Aston Martin as a possible landing spot in the report, one must imagine that their previous links to Tsunoda might become prevalent should Alonso decide to retire this year.

READ MORE: Flavio Briatore should already know who his next target is to replace Franco Colapinto in 2027

Yuki Tsunoda could also target Esteban Ocon’s Haas seat

Of course, while Colapinto and Alpine might be the preferred destination, given their proclivity for competing together, not to mention Pierre Gasly’s strong relationship with Tsunoda, Haas cannot be ruled out.

As mentioned before, Haas have had interest in Tsunoda for a long time. And with Esteban Ocon underwhelming this year, especially in comparison to Oliver Bearman, he could make way for Tsunoda.

Of course, it must be noted that Tsunoda has a strong relationship with his fellow countryman, Ayao Komatsu, the Haas team principal who could look to bring him in as well.

For now, all Tsunoda needs to do is sit back and hope that either Colapinto or Ocon continue their poor run of form so he can convince either Alpine or Haas to give him a chance.