In 2009, Toyota bid farewell to Method 1 after eight seasons within the championship, leaving a big mark as a neighborhood group and engine provider.
Throughout its time in F1, the Japanese model achieved 13 podium finishes and secured fourth place within the Constructors’ Championship, making it one of the aggressive groups on the grid. Though its final participation was in 2009, Toyota has all the time maintained its ties to motorsport, and now, 15 years later, it returns to the large stage.
This comeback materializes by way of Haas, with a multi-year contract that takes impact instantly. The Japanese model will not be returning as a group however as a strategic accomplice, providing technical help and improvement to the American outfit.
Toyota goals to “Anglicize” Haas to interrupt free from Ferrari within the F1 World Championship
Toyota has determined to not return as an official group to Method 1, however its alliance with Haas represents an necessary step in its technique to stay influential within the sport.
By means of its Toyota Gazoo Racing division, the Japanese model will present technical help, improvement, and manufacturing, considerably enhancing the efficiency of the American group. This help will allow Haas to enhance its potential on the grid whereas permitting Toyota to stay actively concerned within the evolution of F1 with out taking over the dangers of being an official group.
Regardless of not returning as a group, Toyota ensures its presence in discussions concerning the brand new engine rules for 2026. The model may also have a say in driver choice, opening the door to the potential of a Japanese driver becoming a member of Haas.
This kind of technical affect might be vital throughout the transitional section Method 1 will expertise with new adjustments to energy items and rules, permitting Toyota to have a direct presence in future decision-making.
The settlement with Haas might additionally result in a big shift within the group’s construction. With Toyota’s backing, Haas might start to distance itself from its relationship with Ferrari and shift its improvement focus to England.
This transfer would grant them entry to superior sources, akin to Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne and a brand new state-of-the-art simulator—key instruments to reinforce their competitiveness sooner or later. Whereas Toyota buying Haas will not be a right away possibility, the technical help Toyota will present marks a brand new chapter in its relationship with the American group.
Toyota’s cautious method highlights its technique of participating with Method 1 not directly but meaningfully. Appearing as a technical accomplice as a substitute of a full-fledged constructor permits the model to affect F1’s improvement with out the commitments a full return would entail.
With the introduction of latest technical rules post-2026, this alliance might show essential for Toyota’s future in F1, doubtlessly enabling a way more lively position in the event that they determine to take the step of buying the American group.