Toyota Gazoo Haas?
A report Toyota are eyeing a way back into Formula 1 with Haas was given credence at Silverstone where Toyota Gazoo racing manager Masaya Kaji watched the action from inside the Haas garage.
After departing from Formula 1 following the 2009 championship, Toyota is rumored to be eager to make a comeback in the sport.
Is Toyota Gazoo Haas on the horizon?
According to F1 publications Formula.hu and Racingnews365.com, Toyota could partner with Haas in the manufacturing of their F1 car’s chassis components, doing so along with Dallara, which would include Haas using Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne.
Although Toyota currently has no intentions of building their own engine, they may potentially pursue that path in the future.
Haas declined to comment on the speculation when approached by PlanetF1.com.
During the British Grand Prix, a notable revelation occurred on social media when Masaya Kaji, Toyota Gazoo General Manager in the motorsport engineer department, was seen in the Haas garage.
At the Silverstone race, Kaji found himself among the guests positioned at the rear of the Haas garage. From this vantage point, he eagerly observed the thrilling spectacle unfold as Nico Hulkenberg skillfully maneuvered his way to claim an impressive sixth place finish. Notably, this marked his second consecutive P6 achievement in recent races.
Latest Haas news with midfield team emerging as 2024’s dark horse
Revealed: The F1 dark horses you need to watch after stellar British Grand Prix
Andretti’s F1 bid declared too ‘late’ with 11th team approach questioned
According to Formula.hu, the Toyota/Haas partnership could begin as early as next season.
Afterwards, we can establish a sponsorship agreement akin to the successful partnership between Sauber and Alfa Romeo in recent times, which will pave the way for further technological collaboration.
According to a Hungarian publication, starting from 2025, Toyota Gazoo Racing’s headquarters in Cologne will reportedly partially or fully take over the chassis construction of Haas’ F1 cars, despite them being traditionally built by Dallara.
However, the engine will continue to be a Ferrari power unit as their contract extends until 2028.
There were discussions about the possibility of Toyota acquiring Haas completely and potentially manufacturing their own engines.
Despite this, Toyota has been hesitant to make a firm decision regarding a return to Formula 1. Last season, Kazuki Nakajima, the vice chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, stated, “Currently, the answer is a definite no.”
“This simply offers a driver the chance to enter the F1 circuit.”
However, it’s important to keep in mind that one can ponder over various possibilities and there seems to be an abundance of rumors. Ultimately, the future remains uncertain and unpredictable.
Read next: Follow PlanetF1.com’s WhatsApp channel for all the F1 breaking news!
