Tsunoda Plotting Formula 1 Comeback with Haas and Alpine in Sights for 2027 Return

Yuki Tsunoda faces the disappointment of watching Formula 1 return to Japan without a home representative on the grid, but the former Red Bull driver is already orchestrating plans for a potential comeback in 2027.

For the first time since 2020, no Japanese driver will compete at Suzuka this weekend, marking an ironic turn of events given that Tsunoda made his high-profile move to Red Bull at this very circuit last year. His stint alongside Max Verstappen proved challenging, ultimately costing him his seat as he joined the growing list of drivers unable to match the reigning champion's extraordinary pace.

Tsunoda's relegation to a reserve role following the arrival of Isack Hadjar has prompted his management team to actively pursue opportunities with other teams, with Haas emerging as the primary target for his return to competitive racing.

Haas has enjoyed a surprisingly strong start to the 2026 season, currently occupying fourth position in the constructors' championship with 17 points. Remarkably, all those points have come from Oliver Bearman, who has consistently outperformed his more experienced teammate Esteban Ocon.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu has not concealed his frustration with Ocon's performances since joining the American outfit. The French driver's struggles have been highlighted by Bearman's impressive displays, creating potential instability in Haas' driver lineup that Tsunoda's camp hopes to exploit.

Ocon's difficulties reached a nadir in China where he finished 14th after receiving a 10-second penalty for causing a collision with Franco Colapinto. Meanwhile, Bearman delivered an outstanding fifth-place finish in the sister car, demonstrating the performance gap that has emerged between the teammates.

Despite Ocon's early-season struggles, Komatsu maintains public support for the experienced driver while acknowledging the learning curve required. "He still has so much time," Komatsu explained after qualifying in Jeddah. "I mean he needs to learn about this team and about this car so I don't want him to do anything different from what he's doing now."

However, the patience may be wearing thin if Ocon cannot match Bearman's pace consistently. Bearman himself has been linked with a potential move to Ferrari, though Lewis Hamilton's recent strong form could delay such a transfer, potentially opening doors for other candidates including Tsunoda.

Alpine represents Tsunoda's backup option, with his representatives maintaining dialogue with the French team following their switch to Mercedes power units. The change has coincided with improved performance, as evidenced by their double points finish in China that elevated them to 10 points in the championship.

Franco Colapinto's form remains a key factor in Alpine's future plans. While the Argentine driver has shown flashes of promise, including a crucial top-10 finish in Shanghai, questions persist about his consistency and long-term potential with the team.

If Colapinto can maintain his recent momentum and continue scoring points, it would complicate Tsunoda's chances of securing an Alpine seat. However, any regression in performance could revive the team's previous interest in the Japanese driver.

Alpine's recent signing of reserve driver Alex Dunne adds another layer of complexity to Tsunoda's pursuit of a seat with the team. The young talent may be positioned ahead of external candidates in the succession planning, though Tsunoda's Formula 1 experience provides valuable credentials.

Reflecting on his career trajectory, Tsunoda may rue his decision to leave Racing Bulls for Red Bull's senior team. The intense pressure and benchmark set by Verstappen proved overwhelming for yet another talented driver, reinforcing the championship leader's reputation for dismantling teammates' confidence.

As Tsunoda watches his homeland's Grand Prix from the sidelines, his focus shifts toward rebuilding his career and demonstrating the talent that initially earned him a Formula 1 seat. The next eighteen months will prove crucial in determining whether his Formula 1 story continues or concludes.

With two potential pathways emerging through Haas and Alpine, Tsunoda's management team faces the challenge of positioning their driver as the most attractive option when opportunities arise. His Japanese heritage could prove valuable for teams seeking to expand their presence in the lucrative Asian market, providing additional motivation beyond pure driving ability.