Toyota is back in F1! Haas F1 Team has announced a Technical Partnership with Toyota GAZOO Racing. In the new multi-year partnership, Toyota GAZOO Racing will provide design, technical and manufacturing services to the American team, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits in return.
Toyota has always had a strong presence in motorsport. The team has cars running in WRC (World Rally Championship), WEC (World Endurance Championship), and the World Rally-Raid Championship. Now, the Japanese manufacturer is entering the pinnacle of motorsports – F1.
What is Toyota’s role in the Haas F1 Team?
As a Technical Partner, Toyota GAZOO Racing will provide the Haas F1 Team with the infrastructure and manpower to take on the design, technical and manufacturing processes. Given Toyota’s success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there is no doubt that the team will have the infrastructure to develop the car.
🚨 | BREAKING: MoneyGram Haas F1 Team enters into a technical partnership with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.
In the new multi-year partnership, TGR will provide design, technical and manufacturing services to Haas, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits in… pic.twitter.com/6TgB62UqSr
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 11, 2024
But the mind behind the design will come from the Haas F1 Team. The American Constructors already have their own Technical Department which will continue to lead the way for the team. Toyota will provide Haas with additional manpower, infrastructure and resources to help develop the car.
While Toyota will provide manufacturing services to the team, they are not registering in F1 as a Power Unit manufacturer. So the American constructor will continue their partnership with Ferrari for power units. Toyota will only help Haas in manufacturing the rest of the car including chassis, suspension, etc.
Can Toyota take Haas F1 Team to the podium?
With every partnership formed, the team has only one goal. To progress and win races. So, Haas hopes that their partnership with Toyota will help them take their cars to the podium and eventually to the top step.
Toyota was a standard entry during the 2000s. Although they never managed to win a race, they did manage to get on the podium a few times with Ralf Schumacher, Jarno Trulli, and Timo Glock. But they never managed to do so on a consistent basis to win Championships.
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Enters Technical Partnership with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing 🏁
Under the new multi-year agreement both parties will share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources 🤝
With TOYOTA GAZOO Racing providing design, technical and manufacturing services, while… pic.twitter.com/jvL0Epkm8Z
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) October 11, 2024
Ever since Haas made their F1 debut in 2016, they have not been able to develop their car enough to consistently compete in the top 10. Last year, the team once again finished last in the Constructors’ Championship. This year, the team has shown some improvement as they are fighting with VCARB for 6th position.
Toyota’s partnership will be useful for Haas while developing the 2026 car. It is a well-known fact that the FIA will introduce major regulation changes in 2026 that will completely change F1 Racing. So when this change happens, Haas needs to position itself to come out in front. Otherwise, they will have to spend another era of Formula 1 fighting at the back.
With the resources Toyota has in its facility, Haas will have a better chance of developing a strong car. Do you think the Haas F1 Team can start fighting for podiums in the coming years thanks to this partnership? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.