Recently, news spread about a possible return of Toyota in Formula 1 through a partnership with the Haas team. However, as reported by the German website Auto Motor und Sport, it has been clarified that any future agreement between Haas and Toyota will not include the supply of engines from the Japanese as the American team will continue to rely on Ferrari until 2028.
An increasingly stronger bond with Ferrari
Haas will maintain its close link with Ferrari, with which it has signed an agreement that provides for the use of Maranello engines at least until the end of the 2028 season. This collaboration, already strong, is destined to consolidate further. Starting in 2025, Oliver Bearman, a young driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy, will join the Haas team, underlining Haas' commitment to leveraging the resources and talent supported directly by the Prancing Horse.
His experience replacing Carlos Sainz in Jeddah, due to Sainz's appendix operation, impressed team boss Ayao Komatsu enough to grant him a seat previously held by Nico Hulkenberg. Bearman noted the high level of young rookies and talent present on the Formula 2 grid this year, which could be promising for the future of Formula 1.
New opportunities in Toyota's wind tunnel
The discussions between Haas and Toyota are more about the use of the Cologne wind tunnel. In recent years, McLaren has regularly used this facility for its aerodynamic testing. However, with the completion of the renovation of its wind tunnel in Woking, McLaren has stopped leasing the Japanese facility, leaving Toyota looking for new partners.
Haas' interest in Toyota's wind tunnel represents a potential opportunity for both parties. This collaboration could allow Haas to leverage additional resources and technological knowledge to improve the performance of its Formula 1 cars. At the same time, Toyota could benefit financially from renting its facility, increasing the use of its wind tunnel production capacity of Cologne.
Source: Auto Motor Und Sport
