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According to reports, Japanese automotive giant Toyota is considering a shock Formula 1 return in partnership with Haas. Toyota previously ran its own Formula 1 works outfit in the early 2000s, debuting in 2002 and remained in the sport through the 2009 season, leaving F1 amid the global financial crisis. 2009 was arguably its most […]
In the early 2000s, Toyota had its own Formula 1 team which participated in the sport from 2002 until the 2009 season, not achieving a Formula 1 win during its eight-year presence. Following success in other championships like the FIA World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championship, Toyota is considering a comeback to Formula 1 with Haas possibly starting in 2025 through a branding partnership similar to Alfa Romeo and Sauber. There are talks of Toyota taking over the chassis building duties from Dallara and moving it to Gazoo Racing’s base in Germany if the collaboration materializes. While a potential acquisition of Haas isn’t ruled out, the current owner Gene Haas hasn’t shown any intentions to sell, but the investment from Toyota could greatly benefit Haas’ Formula 1 prospects. Despite exiting Formula 1 officially in 2009, Toyota has maintained ties to the sport with McLaren leasing Toyota’s Cologne facility for wind tunnel testing and a Toyota junior driver competing under the TGR banner in Formula 2. If Toyota rejoins Formula 1, it would join other major automakers like Ford, Audi, and Honda who have recently committed to the series, with rumors suggesting Hyundai and Geely also eyeing a potential entry while General Motors’ interest with Cadillac remains a top priority.
