Toyota’s return to F1 will not involve plans to field full-fledged team or power unit supply amid its recent partnership with the Haas F1 Team.
This comes shortly after Haas officially confirmed a new technical partnership with Toyota, marking a new chapter for the American team as it seeks to enhance its competitiveness on the grid.
The announcement also highlighted that the Toyota Gazoo Racing logo would appear on the Haas VF-24 starting from the upcoming United States Grand Prix.
Toyota’s involvement in Formula 1 dates back to 2002 when it established itself as a works team. Over the course of its tenure, which lasted until 2009, the Japanese manufacturer participated in 140 races but failed to secure a single victory, achieving just 13 podium finishes.
The decision to exit F1 was largely influenced by a shift in corporate strategy, with Toyota prioritizing its objectives in the road car market over motorsport endeavors. Since then, the manufacturer has focused on leveraging its motorsport expertise in other racing series, such as endurance racing and rallying.
The recent partnership with Haas F1 team is primarily centered around technical collaboration rather than a return to F1 as a competitive entity.
According to General Manager of Motorsport Engineering at Toyota Gazoo Racing Masaya Kaji there are currently no plans for the Japanese manufacturer to supply power units or establish a new F1 team.
“We have no plan to enter power unit supply, at this moment,” he replied to media including Racetrackmasters.com. “Actually, we have no plan to have a team in F1.
“Regarding the power unit, unfortunately we have no plan to enter power unit supply at this moment.
“At this moment, we have the best choice and best option to collaborate with the Haas F1 Team.”
Toyota’s return to F1 came about as CEO Akio Toyoda said he wanted to give the team’s motorsport personnel, including its drivers, the benefit of contact with racing in the top flight.
“He’s always thinking about drivers,” Kaji added. “I had a communication with [him] at the beginning of this year and he would like to find a way for our drivers and engineers and mechanics to enter the top category for good learning and developing people.
“So after this communication I started the communication with some teams, including Haas and as I said, Haas was the best partner.”
