Yuki Tsunoda could now leave Honda as he’s ‘trying to get on the radar’ of one F1 team

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Yuki Tsunoda is looking to get into the good books at Toyota as he eyes a return to Formula 1 with Haas.

The Japanese driver is on the sidelines in 2026 as Red Bull’s reserve driver, after losing his seat at the Milton Keynes outfit at the end of last year. Tsunoda insists that his F1 career is not over, and he is searching for a vacant seat in 2027.

Tsunoda has had a ‘serious discussion’ with Haas, with Esteban Ocon’s future in F1 facing huge uncertainty. The Honda-backed driver has been linked with the American team for some time, and he is desperate to strike a chord with Toyota.

Yuki Tsunoda is ‘trying to get on the radar’ of Toyota’s top management as he eyes Haas seat

Tsunoda’s relationship with Honda could be an issue in his bid to join Haas, due to the team being heavily supported by their Japanese rivals. However, new details suggest that it might not be as big of a problem.

According to a report from RacingNews365, ‘paddock sources’ say that Tsunoda is trying to get on Toyota’s radar.

It would suggest that he would be willing to cut ties with Honda to pursue an opportunity with Toyota and land a seat at Haas for the 2027 season.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu is a huge fan of Tsunoda, and Red Bull have made it clear that they will not block him from joining another team.

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

Toyota are ‘so convinced’ of an F1 future for Ryo Hirakawa

Ocon is likely to lose his seat at the end of 2026, while Bearman will likely stay with Haas, as Ferrari do not have a seat for him. Tsunoda is a top candidate to replace the Frenchman, but he is not alone.

Jack Doohan’s strong commercial value could give him a shot at an F1 return, while Toyota have a plan of their own.

Haas reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa is in the mix. Backed by Toyota, there have been some doubts over his limited F1 experience, given he has only done FP1 sessions, as well as his age – 32 – and his overall pace.

However, according to RacingNews365, Toyota are ‘so convinced’ of an F1 future for Hirakawa that they are already ‘internally’ lining up Kevin Estre to replace him in WEC. His chances of joining Haas look pretty strong right now.