P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Haas has hired ex-Lotus and Alpine engineer Pierre Genon to manage its Formula 1 technical alliance with Toyota.
Toyota ran a works team in Formula 1 from 2002 to 2009 but failed to win a single Grand Prix. Since then, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has had success in endurance racing and rallying. Last fall, Toyota struck a deal with Haas to form a technical alliance aimed at improving Haas’ performance on the F1 grid. This partnership includes Toyota providing drivers, engineers, resources, and a new simulator for a Testing of Previous Car program. The goal is to help Haas build on their successful 2018 season and improve their standing in Formula 1. Masaya Kaji, Toyota’s director of global motorsport, hinted that a full return to F1 as a team entity is being evaluated for the future, with options being considered up to and beyond 2030. Toyota’s technical alliance with Haas is seen as a potential step towards a full-scale takeover, although Haas’ Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu, emphasized that a sale of the team is not currently on the table.
