In 2009, Toyota bid farewell to Method 1 after eight seasons within the championship, leaving a major mark as a neighborhood crew 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 massive stage.
This comeback materializes by Haas, with a multi-year contract that takes impact instantly. The Japanese model just isn’t returning as a crew however as a strategic associate, providing technical assist 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 crew to Method 1, however its alliance with Haas represents an vital step in its technique to stay influential within the sport.
By its Toyota Gazoo Racing division, the Japanese model will present technical assist, improvement, and manufacturing, considerably enhancing the efficiency of the American crew. This assist 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 crew.
Regardless of not returning as a crew, Toyota ensures its presence in discussions relating to the brand new engine laws for 2026. The model may also have a say in driver choice, opening the door to the opportunity of a Japanese driver becoming a member of Haas.
This kind of technical affect shall be essential through the transitional section Method 1 will expertise with new adjustments to energy items and laws, permitting Toyota to have a direct presence in future decision-making.
The settlement with Haas may additionally result in a major shift within the crew’s construction. With Toyota’s backing, Haas may 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, comparable 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 just isn’t an instantaneous choice, the technical assist Toyota will present marks a brand new chapter in its relationship with the American crew.
Toyota’s cautious method highlights its technique of partaking with Method 1 not directly but meaningfully. Appearing as a technical associate as an alternative 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 laws post-2026, this alliance may show essential for Toyota’s future in F1, probably enabling a way more energetic function in the event that they resolve to take the step of buying the American crew.