Toyota returns to F1 as Haas technical partner

The Toyota name and logo will once again be present in Formula 1 after signing a technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team.

This partnership, which takes effect immediately, was announced at the Toyota-owned Fuji International Speedway in Japan, and marks the Japanese automaker’s return to one of the world’s premier racing series since 2009. 

It will allow Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), the brand’s motorsports division, to share its expertise, knowledge, and resources with Haas which will then offer its own technical expertise and commercial benefits in return.

And while we won’t be seeing Toyota-powered F1 cars just yet, the Toyota Gazoo Racing branding visible on Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas cars starting from the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas next weekend.

“I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have come together to enter into this technical partnership,” said Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. “The ability to tap into the resources and knowledge base available at Toyota Gazoo Racing, while benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be instrumental in our own development and our clear desire to further increase our competitiveness in Formula 1.”

Prior to their departure, the company spent eight seasons in F1 as a works team and engine supplier, garnering 13 podiums and achieving a best finish of fourth in the constructors’ championship.

“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,” said TGR President Tomoya Takahashi.