According to reports, Japanese automotive giant Toyota is considering a shock Formula 1 return in partnership with Haas.
Toyota previously ran its own Formula 1 works outfit in the early 2000s, debuting in 2002 and remained in the sport through the 2009 season, leaving F1 amid the global financial crisis.
2009 was arguably its most competitive season, scoring five podiums, but the Japanese marque was never able to grab a Formula 1 win during its eight seasons in the sport.
However, after going on to dominate the likes of the FIA World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championship respectively, Toyota could be lining up a return to the elite arena of Grand Prix single-seater racing with Haas.
According to Formula Hu, Toyota could look to begin its involvement with the Haas project as early as 2025 by way of a branding alliance, similar to the one conducted by Alfa Romeo and Sauber.
Moreover, Toyota could then look to succeed Italian chassis builder Dallara in constructing Haas’ Formula 1 machines, moving the operation to the Gazoo Racing headqaurters in Cologne, Germany.
From there, Formula Hu writes that a potential takeover isn’t outside the realms of possibility, although team owner Gene Haas has never publicly acknowledged a desire to sell his prized eponymous Formula 1 asset.
However, the added investment of a brand alliance with Toyota would certainly bolster Haas’ Formula 1 prospects.
Despite leaving the sport in an official capacity at the end of 2009, Toyota has maintained links with Formula 1 since.
Prior to the recent unveiling of its new wind tunnel, McLaren leased Toyota’s Cologne facility from 2010 onwards to bolster its aerodynamic development.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) brand has also made its way into junior formula this year thanks to FIA Formula 2 rookie Ritomo Miyata.
Miyata, a Toyota WEC junior driver now races under the TGR banner for Rodin motorsport, after a successful 2023 campaign that saw him win both the Super Formula and Super GT titles in Japan.
Should Toyota look to return to Formula 1, the Japanese manufacturer would be joining a long list of automotive brands commiting to the series in recent times.
For 2026 alone, Ford has entered a partnership with Red Bull Powertrains, Audi will complete its takeover of Sauber and Honda will form a works engine partnership with Aston Martin.
Toyota’s reported interest tallies with recent rumours Hyundai could be looking into a potential F1 effort, with Chinese marque Geely also interested in the allure of Grand Prix racing.
And it goes without saying General Motors’ interest via its proposed Cadillac entry with Andretti is still a high priority for the American manufacturer.
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