Toyota is back in Formula 1, it’s official. The Japanese manufacturer will partner with Haas F1 Team starting at the United States Grand Prix in 2024.
Toyota and motorsport share a long love story. While one might expect to see a Toyota engine in Haas cars by 2025, that’s not the case. Why? Let’s analyze why the return of the Japanese giant in Formula 1 is, in fact, only half a return.
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Toyota: the WEC legendary team
If you follow the World Endurance Championship and are used to watching the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Toyota Gazoo Racing (the official name of its motorsport division) should be familiar to you. Toyota is a pioneering Japanese car manufacturer founded in 1937. Its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, developed the well-known Toyota production system. In 1990, Toyota entered WEC and subsequently dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans with five consecutive victories between 2018 and 2022, with notable drivers including Fernando Alonso.
Formula 1 signs an unexepected historic partnership with a luxury giant
The last time Toyota was in Formula 1
In 2002, Toyota Racing entered Formula 1 by completely building an F1 car from scratch: chassis, engine & aerodynamics. Despite eight seasons and significant investments, Toyota never won a race. The best year was 2005, with a P4 finish in the World Championship. Some of their most well-known drivers include Michael Schumacher’s brother, Ralf Schumacher (2005-2007), Jarno Trulli (2005-2009), and Timo Glock (2008-2009). In total, Toyota’s F1 record includes:
- 0 wins (P2 is the highest result)
- 13 podiums
- 3 pole positions
At the end of 2009, the Japanese team left F1 for economic reasons.
Haas F1 Team, a team undergoing renewal
Unlike in 2002, Toyota is returning by partnering with an existing team: Haas F1 Team, owned by entrepreneur Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation and also owner of Stewart-Haas Racing in NASCAR. Haas F1 Team was long led by Guenther Steiner but has been replaced this year by Ayao Komatsu. The American team’s management is keen on making changes to improve their standings in 2025, having signed two new drivers: Esteban Ocon and rookie Ollie Bearman. This new partnership with Toyota follows suit.
What does the Haas x Toyota partnership entail?
First and foremost: no, Haas will not be running a Toyota engine. I wanna point that out. Ferrari will continue to supply engines to the American team. Akio Toyoda, CEO of Toyota, stated in a press release that the contract focuses on a technical collaboration aimed at training Japanese drivers, engineers, and mechanics. The Japanese constructor will bring its expertise, particularly in the development of aerodynamic components, the manufacturing of carbon parts, providing commercial support, and making equipment available for use. Toyoda expressed hope that young Super Formula drivers (the feeder series to F1 in Japan) would make their way into Formula 1 in the coming years. Currently, the only Japanese driver on the grid is Yuki Tsunoda. So, no engines, but a technical collaboration starting at the next race.
In my opinion, this is a positive move for both parties involved. Haas needs a fresh start, surrounded by expertise and talent to move in the right direction, and Toyota is not just any manufacturer; as noted earlier, they have extensive racing experience. From the Japanese perspective, this is also excellent news, as it allows them to have a foot in Formula 1, benefiting from this remarkable technology laboratory without having to spend colossal amounts of money and potentially not scoring any points. For more information, I suggest checking out the two press releases published by Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Source: Toyota Gazoo Racing