Toyota is making a notable return to Formula 1 after a 15-year hiatus, teaming up as a "technical partner" with the American Haas racing team. In this collaboration, Toyota's branding will feature on Haas cars beginning with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, next week. The agreement involves Toyota providing design, technical, and manufacturing support, although they will not supply engines. Haas will continue using Ferrari engines through a deal extending to 2028, initially begun in its debut F1 season in 2016.
This partnership, described as a "multi-year agreement," might hint at future aspirations for Toyota. Although no immediate driver openings exist within Haas, the head of Toyota's Gazoo racing division said Friday that Toyota seeks to "cultivate drivers, engineers, and mechanics" through this alliance. With Haas already securing drivers Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon for 2025, the room for new entries seems limited presently. However, the collaboration represents a strategic alignment aimed at nurturing talent and technical advancement.
Toyota's F1 history saw the automaker invest heavily in 2002 as it sought championship success, yet victory proved elusive before its sudden exit in 2009 amid cost-cutting measures. In the years since, Toyota has shifted focus to other racing categories like NASCAR and Le Mans, where it maintains a rivalry with Ferrari. The announcement follows Toyota's recent decision, alongside two other Japanese firms, to withdraw sponsorship from the Olympics. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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