P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren forging closer ties with Toyota as F1 rumours swirl
McLaren recently ended their deal with Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne and shifted their program to their own facility in Woking. However, the McLaren and Toyota partnership is evolving and getting closer. The signing of Toyota factory driver Ryo Hirakawa to McLaren’s roster of reserve drivers for 2024 is evidence of this. Hirakawa will also join McLaren’s simulator program and conduct tests in their 2021 car. This move by Toyota suggests that they have a growing interest in F1, with Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda being present at the Japanese GP. It has even led to rumors that McLaren could consider Toyota as a potential future engine partner. However, while closer ties may be forged in the future, it is premature to say that Toyota definitely wants to return to F1 at this moment.
Source: motorsport
