The Toyota name is returning to F1 for the first time in 15 years through a new tie-up with Haas.
The world’s largest car manufacturer by volume will become an “official technical partner” to the team which lies seventh in the world championship. Toyota branding will appear on the VF-24s from next week’s United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas.
Toyota will provide “design, technical and manufacturing services” to Haas as part of a new, multi-year deal between the two. Haas says it will supply “technical expertise and commercial benefits in return.”
The new deal will not affect Haas’ current arrangement with Ferrari, who supply their power units, gearboxes and some other parts. The two companies recently extended until 2028.
One key benefit Toyota will receive from its alliance with Haas is the opportunity to run its junior drivers in the team’s cars. Super Formula champion Ritomo Miyata, who now races in Formula 2, is among those backed by the Japanese manufacturer.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said he was “hugely excited” by the announcement of the Toyota deal.
“To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organisation, while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise – it’s simply a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides.
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“The ability to tap into the resources and knowledge base available at Toyota Gazoo Racing, while benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be instrumental in our own development and our clear desire to further increase our competitiveness in Formula 1. In return we offer a platform for Toyota Gazoo Racing to fully utilise and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.”
Toyota previously competed in F1 between 2002 and 2009, when it ran a works teams producing its own chassis and engines. They peaked with fourth place in the 2005 championship and finished fifth in their final two seasons.
The Japanese manufacturer has been more successful elsewhere in motorsport. Toyota won the World Endurance Championship for the last five seasons in a row and won the World Rally Championship for the last three years. It also competes as an engine supplier in the Japanese Super Formula championship and has teams in NASCAR and the British Touring Car Championship.
Toyota branding on Haas’ F1 car
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