So it is not a full-fledged comeback, when Toyota – for the first time since the 2009 season – would again have its own factory team. So far, the Japanese automaker has become “only” a technical partner of the American Haas team. Which is surprising, because this stable has been closely cooperating with another famous brand – Ferrari for many years.
According to an official statement, Toyota will provide design engineering and manufacturing services, while Haas will provide technical expertise and business benefits. The collaboration will start immediately, with the logos of Toyota and the Gazoo Racing sports industry already appearing on the Haas cars next race weekend in Austin.
That Toyota would touch the world of F1 and in time it would become something more? The Japanese don’t even want to hear about it and have emphatically informed several times that they are not preparing their own team or the development of a power unit. On the other hand, Haas is not going to get rid of an attractive ally in the form of Ferrari, which is why the mutual contract was recently extended until 2028.
Photo: Haas
Toyota logos will appear on the single-seaters already this race weekend.
Even so, the partial return of Toyota makes F1 fans very happy. The more major car companies are interested in the competition, the better! Toyota made its debut as a factory team in the 2002 season, last raced in 2009. It participated in 140 grand prix, in which it won 17 podium positions. However, the Japanese team never managed to win, and it was the unsatisfactory results that ultimately decided Toyota’s removal from the championship.
Formula 1 is extremely attractive for car companies today. Porsche flirted with the possibility of joining, from 2026 we will see the Audi factory team on the grid, and Ford will again become the supplier of Red Bull’s power units. And if Toyota expands its presence over time, it will only be good for the sport!
