After reports suggesting a potential return to F1, Toyota has addressed the speculation by providing a response.
With speculation that Toyota is eyeing up a return to F1 through a partnership with Haas, the Japanese automaker has issued a response.
Reports surfaced earlier this week indicating that Toyota is exploring a potential return to Formula 1, marking their comeback after a hiatus of around 15 years. The automotive giant has initiated talks with Haas, aiming to establish a partnership that would facilitate Toyota’s reentry into the competitive racing scene.
Toyota issue response to F1 speculation
According to reports from Hungarian publication Formula.hu and Dutch publication RacingNews365, Toyota, who departed from F1 in 2009, has reportedly been in discussions with Haas regarding a potential collaboration.
According to RN365, there are talks about pursuing a sponsorship agreement, much like the collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Sauber. Formula.hu also states that the two parties might commence their partnership in the upcoming season, prior to the alterations in regulations set for 2026.
The Hungarian publication also states Toyota could partner with Haas in the manufacturing of car chassis components (along with Dallara), with a possible partnership budding between the American team and the Japanese manufacturer involving the use of Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne.
When approached by PlanetF1.com, Haas chose not to comment on the speculation, whereas Toyota has now provided its own response.
The possibility of a Toyota/Haas partnership and Toyota’s interest in returning to F1 were not denied by the automaker when questioned about their truthfulness.
“A spokesperson from Toyota informed PlanetF1.com that, apart from the ongoing commitment of Toyota to crafting superior cars and nurturing individuals through motorsport, there is no further comment to be made on this subject.”
Toyota’s involvement in premier motorsports is through Toyota Gazoo Racing, where the company competes in the World Endurance Championship and the World Rally Championship.
During the British Grand Prix weekend, keen observers on social media noticed the presence of Masaya Kaji, Toyota Gazoo General Manager in the motorsport engineer department, inside the Haas garage at Silverstone.
Kaji observed as Haas secured an impressive sixth position, thanks to the exceptional performance of Nico Hulkenberg.
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Formula.hu’s research indicates that Toyota intends to extend its sponsorship to other F1 teams and may even consider developing its own engine in the future.
Toyota’s comeback in Formula 1 would result in a fierce competition with Honda, their domestic market rival. Honda has been the dominant force in the power unit battle, having secured their first championship with Red Bull in 2021 and subsequently winning every title during the ongoing engine freeze.
Starting in 2026, there will be a transformation in regulations for a new engine formula, and Honda will make an official comeback as an active manufacturer to provide engines for the Aston Martin team.
Toyota has not shown any enthusiasm about potentially rejoining Formula 1. Kazuki Nakajima, the vice chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, expressed their stance as a definite “no” while discussing the signing of McLaren driver Ryo Hirakawa towards the end of the previous season.
This is simply about providing a driver with the chance to enter the F1 field.
“However, it’s important to acknowledge that one’s thoughts can wander in various directions, triggering a myriad of rumors. Ultimately, the uncertainty of the future leaves us pondering endless possibilities.”
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