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Toyota’s works F1 programme ended in failure with zero wins before its 2009 withdrawal, but one driver has spied a ray of light.
Former Toyota F1 works driver Allan McNish has discussed the positive outcome of the failed works programme, emphasizing the valuable engineering school it created. Despite joining the F1 boom in the early 2000s and investing heavily, Toyota never won a grand prix and withdrew in 2008 due to the global financial crisis. Toyota re-entered F1 in 2024 through a technical alliance with Haas, offering engineers practical F1 experience and supporting Haas in its Testing of Previous Car (TPC) running. McNish highlighted the cultural and geographical challenges faced by Toyota, noting that the project served as a brilliant engineering training ground for many talented individuals. Ultimately, Toyota ceased the project before fully capitalizing on the expertise acquired, missing the opportunity to showcase their improvements.
