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World champion driver makes surprise return after secret F1 team test
Toyota star Kamui Kobayashi recently made a return to Formula 1 after an 11-year absence from the sport, participating in discreet tests with Haas at Circuit Paul Ricard and expressing gratitude for the opportunity on his personal Instagram account. The 38-year-old driver, who had initially joined Toyota in 2009 as a replacement for Timo Glock, also raced for Sauber from 2010 to 2012, achieving a memorable podium at Suzuka in 2012. Despite being replaced for the 2013 season due to sponsorship reasons, Kobayashi has now re-entered the F1 scene as part of Haas’ technical partnership with Toyota, aiming to potentially pave the way for a Toyota driver in F1 in the future. Transitioning from the World Endurance Championship, where he had been with Toyota as a driver and team principal for nine years, Kobayashi showcased his fitness and enjoyment during the F1 tests, emphasizing his desire to offer guidance and opportunities for Toyota drivers in the future. While fans welcomed his return to racing, Kobayashi’s upcoming focus is likely to be on the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans following his stint with Haas in Formula 1.
