FORMULA 1
Toyota returns to Formula 1: which teams will have its engines?
The brand returns to the World Championship after its exit in 2009 by signing a technical collaboration agreement with Haas that begins with immediate effect.
Out with the old, in with the new. Just a few days ago, Renault announced its departure from Formula 1, confirming that it will stop manufacturing engines for the World Championship starting in 2025. This is a major blow to the competition, especially for Alpine, which is now obliged to find a new engine supplier. However, it seems likely that they will reach an agreement with Mercedes.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a technical collaboration agreement with the Haas F1 Team has sparked Toyota’s immediate return to the “Big Circus.” The brand is re-entering the competition after its exit in 2009, and it will begin working with the American team right away.
How did Toyota do before in F1?
The Japanese manufacturer competed for eight seasons in F1, also as an engine supplier, achieving 13 podiums and a fourth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship. However, its history in motorsport dates back over 60 years.
According to the announcement, Haas and Toyota, through its motorsport and R&D division, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), have signed a multi-year agreement under which they will “share expertise, knowledge, and resources.” TGR will provide design, technical, and manufacturing services to Haas, while Haas will, in return, offer technical expertise and commercial benefits. This partnership will run alongside Haas’ ongoing collaboration with Ferrari, with whom they have worked closely since 2016.
The goal of this new partnership with the Japanese is to enhance Haas’ development and competitive standing within F1. Currently, Haas sits seventh in the Constructors’ standings with 31 points, just three behind Racing Bulls.
Who will drive at United States GP with Toyota engines?
“I am very pleased that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have come together to establish this technical partnership,” said Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “Having the support and expertise of a global leader in the automotive sector alongside our organization, while they work to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise, is simply a partnership with clear benefits for both sides. The ability to leverage the resources and knowledge base available at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, while benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be crucial for our own development and our clear desire to continue increasing our competitiveness in Formula 1. In return, we offer a platform for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to make the most of and further advance their internal engineering capabilities.”
Komatsu is clearly delighted with the agreement with Toyota, which will already be present in the VF-24 cars of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen at the upcoming United States GP (October 18-20). Tomoya Takahashi, President of GAZOO Racing Company had his own statement to make.
“We are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have reached a basic agreement to enter into a technical partnership for the development of Haas vehicles. We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Gene Haas, Mr. Ayao Komatsu, Mr. Stefano Domenicali, CEO of F1, Mr. Fred Vasseur, Team Principal of Scuderia Ferrari, and all our current team partners for their exceptional cooperation and understanding in this collaboration.
“By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsport, we aim to train drivers, engineers, and mechanics while strengthening the capabilities of both MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. We also hope to contribute to motorsport and the automotive industry.”