It's official: Toyota is returning to Formula 1 thanks to a partnership with the Haas team. The announcement, just confirmed, marks the return of the Japanese giant to the Circus, albeit in a different form than in the past. The collaboration with Haas will allow the American team to take advantage of Toyota Gazoo Racing's (TGR) design, technical and production services, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial advantages in exchange. without however modifying the current engine agreement with Ferrari, renewed until 2028.
A return without its own engine, for now…
Despite rumors in recent months that Toyota could be a possible engine supplier, the agreement confirmed today rules out this possibility for the short term. Haas will continue to use Ferrari power units until 2028, as established by the renewal announced in July. However, Toyota enters Formula 1 as a technical partner.
Under the multi-year agreement, Haas and Toyota – through its motorsports and R&D division Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) – “will share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources”.
The agreement will complement the one with Ferrari, with whom Haas has collaborated since entering the sport in 2016.
According to internal sources, Toyota could evaluate the possibility of developing its own hybrid power unit in the long term, aiming for 2031. Until then, the focus will be on growing Haas’ technical capabilities and improving their performance through closer collaboration.
The Key Role of Ayao Komatsu
One of the key elements that made this collaboration possible was Ayao Komatsu, Haas team principal, who facilitated the dialogue with Toyota. Thanks to its ties to the Japanese industry, Komatsu played a crucial role in negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement. This will allow Haas to take advantage of advanced technologies, improving the efficiency of its production processes and the development of its cars.
Official statements
During the press conference, Ayao Komatsu expressed his enthusiasm for the new collaboration: “I am thrilled that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have joined together in this technical partnership,” said the Haas team principal.
“Having a global automotive leader support and work alongside our organization, while seeking to develop and accelerate its own technical and engineering capabilities, is simply a partnership with clear benefits for both parties.”
“The ability to draw on the resources and knowledge base of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, while benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be instrumental in our development and our clear desire to further increase our competitiveness in Formula 1.”
Toyota also stressed the importance of the partnership. Gazoo Racing Company President Tomoya Takahashi added: “We are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have concluded a basic agreement to begin a technical partnership such as the development of the Haas vehicle.”
“We would like to express our gratitude to Gene Haas, Ayao Komatsu, Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1), Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari) and all our current team partners for their outstanding cooperation and understanding in this collaboration.”
“By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsports, we aim to cultivate drivers, engineers and mechanics, while strengthening the capabilities of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing, and we look to contribute to motorsports and the automotive industry.”
The deal was announced at Toyota-owned Fuji International Speedway and will see Toyota Gazoo Racing branding visible on the Haas cars of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen from next weekend's United States Grand Prix in Austin.
Prospects for the future
The agreement between Haas and Toyota opens up new prospects for the future of both parties. While Toyota will not immediately enter as an engine supplier, this technical partnership could evolve into something more in the coming years. With the 2026 regulations introducing new technical challenges, the collaboration with Toyota represents a great opportunity for Haas to improve its competitiveness and climb the Constructors' Championship ladder.
It now remains to be seen how this partnership will develop and whether Toyota will decide to take a more active role as an engine supplier in the coming years. The question is: will this be the right path for Haas to compete with the top teams and for Toyota to return to being a protagonist in Formula 1?
