Toyota return to F1 as they sign multi-year technical partnership with Haas

Toyota are returning to Formula 1 for the first time since 2009 after signing a technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team that begins immediately.

The Japanese manufacturer spent eight seasons in Formula 1 as a works team and engine supplier, scoring 13 podiums and achieving a best finish of fourth in the constructors’ championship.

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As part of the multi-year agreement, Haas and Toyota – through their motorsport and R&D division Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) – will “share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources”.

The deal will run alongside their arrangement with Ferrari, whom Haas have worked with since they entered the sport in 2016.

TGR will provide design, technical and manufacturing services to Haas, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits in return.

The aim is for Haas to improve their development and competitive standing within the sport with Toyota developing their own knowledge and skills through F1.

“I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have come together to enter into this technical partnership,” said Haas boss Ayao Komatsu.

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“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.

“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.

“In return we offer a platform for Toyota Gazoo Racing to fully utilize and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.

“I’m naturally pleased that we’ve had the support of the likes of Formula 1 and our long-term partner, Scuderia Ferrari – who we announced our further continuation with earlier in the season, in the formation of this new technical partnership – designed to achieve continued success in our Formula 1 endeavours.

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“Together with Gene Haas, I’d specifically like to thank Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1) and Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari) on that front, and with Toyota I’d like to thank Akio Toyoda (Chairman – Toyota Motor Corporation), Tomoya Takahashi (President – Gazoo Racing Company) and Masaya Kaji (Project Manager – Gazoo Racing Company).

“Everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is looking forward to the collaborative results of this new relationship, we can’t wait to get started and fulfil our combined ambitions.”

President of Gazoo Racing Company Tomoya Takahashi added: “We are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have concluded a basic agreement to enter a technical partnership such as Haas vehicle development.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Gene Haas, Mr. Ayao Komatsu, Mr. Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1), Mr. Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari), and all our existing partners of the team for their exceptional cooperation and understanding in this collaboration.

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“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.”

The deal was announced at Toyota-owned Fuji International Speedway on Friday and will see Toyota Gazoo Racing branding visible on Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas cars starting from next weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Haas are currently seventh in the constructors’ championship, just three points adrift of RB in the fight for P6.