Haas Formula 1 team has joined forces with Toyota! The team announced this exciting partnership on Friday. Rumors had been circulating that the Japanese automotive giant was looking to reconnect with the sport. While Toyota managed its own team from 2002 to 2009, it will now serve as a ‘technical partner’ for Haas. The Japanese will leave engine development to Ferrari – the new partner will primarily focus on the design and production of the chassis.
Haas has specifically collaborated with Toyota GAZOO Racing, the motorsport division of the Japanese manufacturer. Starting from the GP in Austin, the logos will adorn the cars of Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen. The team hopes to benefit from Toyota’s years of experience in racing; the brand has been successfully participating in the World Rally Championship and the World Endurance Championship for many years.
“I am extremely pleased that Haas and Toyota GAZOO Racing have entered into this technical partnership,” said team boss Ayao Komatsu. “It’s fantastic that a world leader in the automotive sector is supporting our organization and working with us. Moreover, it’s a partnership with clear benefits for both parties. The opportunity to utilize the resources and knowledge available at Toyota, and to benefit from their expertise, will be of great importance for our own development. In return, we offer the company a platform to utilize and further develop their technical skills.”
Toyota’s History in Formula 1 Racing
Toyota’s involvement in Formula 1 racing is not a new phenomenon. Between 2002 and 2009, the Japanese company had its own racing team, known as Toyota Racing. The team participated in 139 Grand Prix races. Despite their substantial budget and resources, they never managed to secure a victory. However, Toyota Racing did manage to stand on the podium thirteen times and finished fourth in the constructors’ championship in 2005.
In 2009, the team announced its withdrawal from Formula 1 racing. The global economic crisis and the need to cut costs took their toll. Much of the infrastructure and technologies were later used by other teams, and former Toyota engineers and staff found their way to other successful teams within the sport, such as the team of Fernando Alonso.
