What next for Yuki Tsunoda in F1 after brutal Red Bull axe?

Yuki Tsunoda has been left with out a race seat for F1 2026 after turning into the newest driver to be dropped by Crimson Bull after lower than a season.

Crimson Bull confirmed on Tuesday the anticipated resolution to exchange Tsunoda with Isack Hadjar, who will develop into Max Verstappen’s subsequent teammate in 2026.

With Arvid Linblad promoted to sister crew Racing Bulls alongside the retained Liam Lawson, there is no such thing as a house for Tsunoda on subsequent yr’s grid.

It hardly comes a shock after Tsunoda struggled to make an affect within the second Crimson Bull after swapping seats with Lawson on the third spherical of the season.

Tsunoda has, nonetheless, been handed a brand new position at Crimson Bull as a reserve driver for 2026 as a part of the crew’s shake-up.

Although Tsunoda will face a yr on the sidelines not racing, he’ll crucially keep inside F1 paddock, and that might assist him safe a full-time return in 2027 when the driving force market is anticipated to be fairly risky.

In spite of everything, the identical position has helped Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo safe F1 comebacks prior to now.

However which groups may doubtlessly present Tsunoda with a touchdown spot in 2027?

Aston Martin

One choice for Tsunoda may come at Aston Martin.

Aston Martin have secured a works take care of Honda from 2026, so there could be clear attraction to having the Japanese racer on their books.

With Fernando Alonso’s future unsure past the tip of subsequent season, there may but be a full-time opening at Aston Martin for 2027.

Alonso’s contract expires on the finish of 2026, by which level the two-time world champion will probably be 45 years outdated. The Spaniard has admitted he has already “thought of” leaving F1.

Even when Alonso stayed put at Aston Martin alongside Lance Stroll for 2027, staying inside the F1 circus subsequent yr may open the door to different alternatives for Tsunoda.

Whether or not or not Aston Martin would view Tsunoda as a robust sufficient candidate to position alongside Stroll stays to be seen.

In spite of everything, the likes of Verstappen, George Russell and even Oscar Piastri could possibly be poachable.

Alpine

There may be more likely to be a seat open at Alpine, with Franco Colapinto solely confirmed for 2026. The Argentine can have nowhere to cover subsequent yr and might want to carry out if he’s to stay on the French squad for 2027.

With Pierre Gasly locked down till at the least the tip of 2028, may Tsunoda reunite together with his former AlphaTauri teammate? Gasly and Tsunoda get alongside nicely and Alpine would definitely boast one of many strongest midfield pairings on the grid.

Alpine reportedly expressed an curiosity in Tsunoda whereas his Crimson Bull future was unsure earlier than handing Colapinto a recent deal. Might Alpine revisit this in 12 months time?

Haas

One other attainable lifeline could possibly be discovered at Haas.

There may be lots of discuss Oliver Bearman’s future with the Briton already being linked with turning into Ferrari’s subsequent driver – presumably as quickly as 2027 – following a formidable rookie F1 season.

If that had been to occur, Haas would want a alternative. Tsunoda is rated extraordinarily extremely by Haas crew principal Ayao Komatsu.

Haas even have a technical partnership with Toyota and one imagines the producer could be eager to align themselves with Japan’s most distinguished F1 expertise, although it will probably require Tsunoda to separate from Honda. 

Cadillac

There are two further seats on the grid from subsequent yr with Cadillac becoming a member of F1.

The American outfit have already got skilled pair Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez locked down for 2026, however who is aware of what route Cadillac will wish to go in 2027 and past relying on their competitiveness.

Bottas and Perez usually are not getting any youthful, whereas Tsunoda is hitting the prime of his F1 profession and will present a longer-term choice.

Cadillac are clearly not delay by signing a driver who was burned by being Verstappen’s teammate.