Toyota is making its much-anticipated return to Formula 1, 14 years after they last competed.
The Japanese automaker has struck a technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team, kicking off what looks like an exciting chapter for both organisations.
For those of you who remember Toyota’s previous F1 stint, they raced from 2002 to 2009 as both a works team and engine supplier, collecting 13 podiums along the way. Their best finish was fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Now, as part of the multi-year agreement, Toyota’s motorsport arm, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), will share technical expertise, design insights, and manufacturing resources with Haas.
In return, Haas will contribute their own technical know-how and commercial benefits to the relationship. Essentially, this partnership aims to bolster Haas’ competitiveness while giving Toyota a playground to refine its tech and engineering skills through the world of F1.
What’s even more interesting is that this partnership will run alongside Haas’ long-standing deal with Ferrari. Haas will continue to work with Ferrari, which has been their engine supplier since they entered the sport in 2016.
Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1’s Team Principal, mentioned: “I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have come together for this technical partnership.”
“To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organization while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise, it’s simply a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides.”
The crux of the deal lies in leveraging Toyota’s vast resources and deep technical knowledge to improve Haas’ development and overall standing in the sport.
“We offer a platform for Toyota Gazoo Racing to fully utilize and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.”
Tomoya Takahashi, President of Gazoo Racing Company, echoed Komatsu’s sentiments, saying: “We are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have concluded a basic agreement to enter a technical partnership.”
He went on to stress that both teams aim to grow their engineering talent, cultivate drivers, and contribute to both motorsports and the automotive industry. Expect to see Toyota Gazoo Racing branding on the Haas cars, driven by Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, from the United States Grand Prix in Austin.
At present, Haas is seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, just three points behind Red Bull’s second team.
Photo Credits: Formula 1 Content Pool
Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!
