The Haas Formula One team, owned by the United States, and Toyota have announced a technical partnership that will last for several years. This collaboration marks the return of Japan’s largest car manufacturer to grand prix racing after an absence since 2009.
Despite being the smallest team on the starting grid, Haas will continue to utilize Ferrari power units and maintain a close working relationship with Maranello, as well as their chassis design partner Dallara. In fact, they recently extended their contract until the end of 2028.
The partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing, the motorsport division of the carmaker, will commence immediately. As a result, the cars driven by Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen at the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, will feature Toyota branding.
This collaboration will make Toyota Gazoo Racing the official technical partner of Haas. Both parties will exchange expertise, knowledge, and resources to enhance their performance in the sport.
The Japanese automaker will offer design, technical, and manufacturing services, utilizing the partnership to cultivate young drivers, engineers, and mechanics through a program that tests previous cars. Toyota, which invested heavily in Formula One from 2002 to 2009 with a team that failed to achieve a race victory, stated that there are no intentions to construct an engine or establish a factory team again. Ayao Komatsu, Haas’ principal from Japan, remarked, “Having a global leader in the automotive industry support and collaborate with our organization, while aiming to enhance and expedite their own technical and engineering expertise – it’s simply a mutually beneficial partnership.”
“To enhance our own progress and strive for greater competitiveness in Formula One, we recognize the immense value of accessing Toyota Gazoo Racing’s wealth of resources and knowledge, as well as benefiting from their technical expertise and manufacturing processes.”
Chairman Akio Toyoda of Toyota expressed his desire to pave the way for Japanese drivers to experience the thrill of driving the fastest cars in the world, despite the company’s current involvement in the World Rally Championship and endurance racing. During a press conference at the Fuji circuit, he admitted to a lingering sense of regret for previously obstructing this path by deciding to withdraw from Formula One.
“Having said that, even under the scrutiny of the media, I dare to assert that my decision as the president of Toyota to withdraw from F1 in 2009 was not misguided,” he added.
Currently, Yuki Tsunoda is Japan’s sole active Formula One driver. Tsunoda, a Honda protégé, races for Red Bull’s RB team. However, his future beyond next year remains uncertain.
Tomoya Takahashi, the president of Gazoo Racing, expressed his hopes that this partnership would cultivate drivers capable of securing regular seats in Formula One in the future.
“And this time, it won’t just be the drivers facing challenges,” he stated. “The TGR engineers and mechanics will also be joining the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in the pinnacle of F1 motorsports.”
Haas, currently in seventh place in the standings, will have a completely new lineup next year consisting of Frenchman Esteban Ocon and British rookie Oliver Bearman. Bearman, who is a reserve for Ferrari, has already raced twice this season as a substitute for both Ferrari and Haas.
Honda, who sold their Formula One team in 2008, returned as an engine manufacturer in 2015 and are currently partnered with the reigning champions Red Bull. In 2026, they will establish a new and exclusive partnership with Aston Martin.
Toyota recently announced the conclusion of their sponsorship for the Olympics and Paralympics.
