Japanese automotive giant announces spectacular F1 return with Haas
Haas and Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) recently announced a brand new partnership that marks a return of the Japanese automotive giant to F1. Toyota has entered into a technical partnership with the American team.
This development is mainly for Toyota's racing division TGR to gain as much experience as possible in F1. In an official statement, they said the multi-year deal will allow their drivers, mechanics, and engineers to work with Haas and learn about the motorsport series. In return, the Japanese giant aims to help boost the American team's on-track performance and commercial reach.
Despite their partnership with Toyota, the Kannapolis-based team will continue to work with Ferrari and take their power units, along with other parts, allowed by the rules. The Japanese company will only be present to offer technical assistance during Grand Prix and off-season development.
President of TGR, Tomoya Takahashi weighed in on how the partnership would help Toyota's drivers, engineers, and mechanics.
“By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsports, we aim to cultivate drivers, engineers, and mechanics while strengthening the capabilities of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing, and we desire to contribute to motorsports and the automotive industry,” Takahashi said (via F1.com).
This is not the first time Toyota has participated in F1. Their first appearance came in 2002 but struggled to develop a decent car. They slightly improved their performance in 2005 when Ralf Schumacher joined the roster alongside Jarno Trulli. Both drivers bagged podium finishes and the team finished fourth in the constructors. Toyota officially left the sport in 2009.
Haas team principal shares his thoughts on Toyota Gazoo Racing joining them in F1
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu recently spoke about his team's and Toyota Gazoo Racing's partnership in F1 and how it would benefit them. As per F1.com, he praised Toyota for being a massive player in the motorsport world.
Komatsu added how his team would help the Japanese giant by exposing them to the world of F1 and offering them all their resources to learn more about it.
“I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have come together to enter into this technical partnership. To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organization, while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise – it’s simply a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides," Komatsu said.
"In return we offer a platform for Toyota Gazoo Racing to fully utilize and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities." he added.
The partnership is effective immediately and will be reflected in the 2024 F1 US GP soon. Though there are mentions of a multi-year deal, the exact details are still unknown.