Toyota confirms no plans for an F1 engine or factory team, instead focusing on a strategic partnership with Haas.
Toyota announced its immediate return to Formula 1 with Haas F1, but the specifics of this involvement were unclear at the time of the announcement. In the following hours, Masaya Kaji, General Manager of Gazoo Racing Engineering, clarified that the brand has no plans to develop an engine or officially rejoin the sport.
“We have no intention of entering engine supply at this time,” Kaji confirmed. “In fact, we do not intend to have a team in F1. Right now, we have the best choice and option to collaborate with Haas.”
Haas Director Ayao Komatsu explained that Toyota’s proposal was ideal for his team: “This is not a short-term project. The reason we selected certain projects to begin with is because it’s clear we lack the resources, and TGR already has them.”
“It’s clear we are starting with the project that has the most impact and best meets our needs. But I believe that throughout this partnership, we will understand each other better and find many areas where we can work together.”
Takahashi Tomoya, president of TGR, hopes this partnership will also impact road cars: “As you know, F1 cars are equipped with some of the most advanced technologies in the world. Aerodynamics, for example, is a crucial technology for electric vehicles.”
“I believe the day will come when we can transfer the technology we’ve acquired into production cars, and I also believe that the people who have experienced this high level of technology will create the next generation of production cars. I want to fully leverage this in future models.”
Akio Toyoda, former CEO of Toyota and current Chairman of the Board, explained what has changed since their withdrawal at the end of 2009: “At the time we left F1, I think Toyota was more focused on building a bigger company than on making better cars.”
“As president, I decided back then that the company’s goals were sales and profits, and that activities like F1 didn’t really align with the company’s objectives.”
“Today, we are transforming into a company that builds better cars rooted in motorsport. To achieve this, we need people capable of taking on that responsibility.”
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Toyota Partners with Haas – No F1 Engine or Team Planned Toyota Partners with Haas – No F1 Engine or Team Planned