Toyota Returns to Formula 1 in Technical Partnership with Haas F1 Team
Toyota is making a return to Formula 1 after 15 years, through a multi-year technical partnership with the Haas F1 team, marking Toyota’s first involvement in F1 since 2009, after previously running their own team for eight seasons.
Although Toyota is not coming back as a works team or engine supplier, their motorsport division, Toyota Gazoo Racing, will collaborate with Haas to share expertise and resources.
Haas, currently seventh in the constructors' championship, will continue using Ferrari power units but hopes the partnership with Toyota will help them improve. Haas principal Ayao Komatsu said the collaboration would allow them to benefit from Toyota's "technical and manufacturing processes," boosting their competitiveness. In return, Haas offers Toyota a platform to advance its engineering capabilities in F1.
The deal will see Toyota provide design, technical, and manufacturing services while also working to develop young drivers, engineers, and mechanics. Toyota has been looking to compete with Honda, which currently backs Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda.
Toyota Gazoo Racing president Tomoya Takahashi emphasised that this partnership would help cultivate talent within the motorsport world, including engineers and mechanics.
The collaboration will begin immediately, with Toyota Gazoo Racing branding appearing on Haas cars at the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix in Austin. This move signifies a step forward for both Toyota and Haas. Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda noted his regrets about pulling out of F1 in 2009, but still believes the decision was correct at the time. However, he sees this new partnership as an opportunity to re-enter the F1 scene and develop Japanese talent.
Toyota, despite spending heavily during their previous stint in F1, never managed to secure a race win. Now, with a fresh approach, they aim to build a more successful presence in motorsport without launching a full factory team.
The deal, announced at Toyota-owned Fuji International Speedway, highlights Toyota’s ambition to increase their involvement in top-level racing. Haas, who recently renewed their contract with Ferrari until 2028, will benefit from Toyota’s added support while retaining their close ties with the Italian team.
Overall, this partnership is seen as mutually beneficial, allowing both sides to grow and improve within the competitive world of F1. Both teams are eager to start working together and see how this collaboration unfolds in the coming seasons.
