Lawson’s F1 chances improve as Tsunoda linked to IndyCar 

Liam Lawson may have received an unexpected boost in his bid for a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2026, with Red Bull stablemate Yuki Tsunoda reportedly eyeing a switch to the American IndyCar series. 

The 25-year-old Japanese driver is one of four Red Bull-affiliated racers in contention for just three F1 seats next season. Alongside Lawson, 22, are rookie sensation Isack Hadjar and teenage prospect Arvid Lindblad. Only Max Verstappen is confirmed to stay at Red Bull Racing through to 2028. 

Hadjar is tipped to be promoted to Verstappen’s teammate next year after impressing in his debut season, while 18-year-old Lindblad is expected to graduate to Formula 1 after just one campaign in Formula 2. That leaves the final Racing Bulls seat to be fought out between Lawson and Tsunoda. 

However, Tsunoda’s future has long been tied to Honda, Red Bull’s current engine supplier. With the Japanese manufacturer switching allegiance to Aston Martin from 2026, his place within the Red Bull system has become increasingly uncertain. 

According to reports, Honda has been paying Red Bull an eight-figure annual sum to ensure Tsunoda’s spot on the F1 grid. When Lawson was dropped earlier this year after just two Grands Prix, Honda is understood to have doubled its payment to guarantee Tsunoda’s drive at the Suzuka race. 

That connection could now shape his future outside Formula 1. American journalist Tony Donohue reports that Honda is positioning Tsunoda for an IndyCar seat, with engine supply ties to five of the series’ 12 teams.  

Red Bull had initially set this weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix as the deadline to confirm both teams’ 2026 line-ups. But team boss Laurent Mekies and senior adviser Dr Helmut Marko have since revealed that final decisions will now come after the Qatar Grand Prix in December. 

Should Tsunoda make the trans-Pacific switch, he would join a growing list of ex-F1 drivers finding success in IndyCar, including Romain Grosjean, Marcus Ericsson and Takuma Sato. 

For now, Lawson remains in contention for a full-time Formula 1 comeback. the Kiwi hopeful’s strongest chance yet to secure his place on the 2026 grid.