Esteban Ocon has revealed how Haas continues to benefit from its Formula 1 partnership with Toyota, saying it is giving the team “motivation to go pushing”.
The American squad announced an “official technical partnership” with the Japanese marque almost a year ago, ending its 15-year hiatus from any involvement in F1.
Alongside engine supplier Ferrari, Toyota has been offering its expertise, knowledge and resources to Haas, and has enabled help with its Testing of Previous Cars [TPC] programme.
Despite languishing in ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship, Haas is only 14 points short of its 2024 total of 58, when narrowly missing out on sixth to Alpine.
Ocon and Oliver Bearman have formed the team’s all-new driver line-up for this year, and have produced some stellar performances between them.
When asked about its input into the TPC programme and its wider influence in the team, Ocon had nothing but praise for Toyota and the collaboration it is providing Haas.
“Yeah, we have benefited as well,” the Frenchman told media including Motorsport Week. “For example, I got to test with Ollie in Jerez.
“Before the start of the season. It was very important for me to have some time in the car to get back to it. And to figure out the last little details before we got to the bar and testing.”
Ocon suggested that Toyota will be helping Haas with a new simulator for 2026, which, complete with its brand-new set of technical regulations, is fast approaching.
“There is more stuff coming. Like the simulator, for example. But the rest, yeah, I think you can talk to Ayao [Komatsu, Haas Team Principal] about it,” he continued.
“But yeah, it’s been great to partner with Toyota. They are fantastic people, really passionate about racing. And for us, every time we meet them, they bring us a smile.
“And it’s not every brand that gives you that boost and that motivation to go pushing in racing. For us, it’s a big partner and it brings us a lot for our team.”
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