Yuki Tsunoda already Formula E regular driver in 2026/27 after leaving F1? "He would be a good fit for us"

While the 2025/26 Formula E season recently got underway, Formula 1 just finished its season in Abu Dhabi on the same weekend. Similar to Formula E at the end of the current season, the "top tier of motorsport" is also undergoing a generational change and the teams are largely relying on consistency. However, one driver's contract has not been extended: Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda has no seat for 2026 after an unconvincing season alongside Max Verstappen, but the doors are wide open for him in Formula E.

Tsunoda quickly climbed through the junior series to Formula 1, spending just one year in Formula 3 and one in Formula 2. 2021 saw him become a regular Formula 1 driver with the current Racing Bulls team. However, the Japanese driver never achieved a podium finish, with his best result being a fourth place. Nevertheless, he repeatedly showed his enormous potential, which ultimately earned him a seat at Red Bull Racing. However, after a similarly disappointing performance alongside Verstappen, he was shown the door.

Tsunoda alreeady has first supporters in Formula E

Tsunoda is a true local hero in Japan. As Formula E races in the centre of the mega-metropolis of Tokyo and has two Japanese manufacturers, Nissan and Yamaha, this market is extremely interesting for the electric series. Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo sees great potential in the former Formula 1 driver at SoyMotor: "He would be a good fit for us, for sure, because I think he has great talent. It is also an important market for us and we like to have local heroes."

Nyck de Vries, driver at Mahindra Racing, probably knows the Japanese driver better than the other Formula E players. In 2023, they raced together for half a season for the then Alpha Tauri Formula 1 team. The Dutchman, who has already made the switch from Formula 1 to Formula E, gives Tsunoda credit for his courage: "He is a great driver and has all the skills to be fast, so I see no reason why he shouldn't make it here."

What options does Tsunoda have?

We are fast approaching the Gen4 era in Formula E. The technical basis will be completely different to the current season by the end of next year. The aerodynamic developments are particularly interesting. At the moment, we are seeing a Formula E car with marginally enhanced aerodynamics and a full focus on the drive. Next season, the cars will offer significantly more downforce, which could make a driver like Tsunoda or Felipe Drugovich very important: Both gained years of experience in the high level formula series, where aerodynamics is an important element.

Yamaha and Nissan will also be keeping an eye on the Japanese driver. A Japanese driver in their ranks would certainly appeal to both manufacturers. In addition, Norman Nato and the two Lola Yamaha ABT drivers have been less than convincing in recent races. What's more, Formula E wants to start the coming season with a full field of 24 cars. This means there would be room for four more drivers in the regular field.

Tsunoda will probably not be short of options. However, he himself will not have finished with Formula 1 yet and will probably be looking for opportunities to get a permanent seat here again. The coming months will show when and whether the Japanese driver will end Formula 1 and possibly get involved in Formula E.