Toyota is set to make its most significant return to Formula 1 since departing the sport in 2009, with the Japanese manufacturer becoming title sponsor of the Haas team from the 2026 campaign.
The American squad will compete under the new identity of TGR Haas F1 Team, with Toyota Gazoo Racing, the company's motorsport and research division, taking over as the team's primary partner from MoneyGram.
Toyota initially withdrew from Grand Prix racing due to financial losses, with Sauber taking its grid slot.
During their previous stint, the manufacturer achieved a best finish of fourth in the 2005 Constructors' Championship, fielding drivers including Jarno Trulli, Ralf Schumacher and Kamui Kobayashi.
The elevated partnership builds on a multi-year technical agreement signed by the two organisations in October 2024.
Central to this collaboration has been the establishment of the TGR Haas Driver Development Programme, which evolved from the Testing of Previous Cars initiative launched this season.
Through this scheme, Japanese drivers Ryo Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Kamui Kobayashi and Sho Tsuboi have gained experience behind the wheel of older-specification Formula 1 machinery.
Toyota has additionally contributed to the construction of an advanced simulator at Haas's Banbury headquarters, scheduled to become operational ahead of the new regulatory era next year.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu described the strengthened alliance as "a privilege," highlighting how the working relationship has exceeded expectations.
Komatsu said: "It's been evidenced through our successful TPC running this season but there's been so much more going on behind the scenes too, including the development and installation of the simulator at our Banbury facility for 2026."
He emphasised that personnel development through collaboration between both parties has proved highly beneficial.
Komatsu added: "We're excited to further grow with the likes of our driver program too, and it's been encouraging to see the depth of talent TGR is backing in that process."
LATEST SPORT NEWS
- Lewis Hamilton replaced by Ferrari as details emerge ahead of F1 finale at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Red Bull announces new team-mate for Max Verstappen in 2026 driver shake-up
- Lando Norris sends defiant message to Max Verstappen ahead of seismic F1 title showdown
Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda spoke of witnessing young engineers and drivers develop newfound confidence throughout the 2025 campaign.
Toyoda said: "The time has come for the next generation to take their first steps toward the world stage.
"Together with Gene Haas, Ayao, and everyone at TGR Haas F1 Team, we will build both a culture and a team for the future."
He added: "Toyota is now truly on the move."
The newly branded outfit will present its VF-26 livery online on January 23, ahead of a closed five-day test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya commencing January 26.
Haas currently occupies eighth position in the Constructors' Championship, trailing Aston Martin by seven points before this weekend's Abu Dhabi finale.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
from GB News https://ift.tt/5nE3bYL
Toyota is set to make its most significant return to Formula 1 since departing the sport in 2009, with the Japanese manufacturer becoming title sponsor of the Haas team from the 2026 campaign.
The American squad will compete under the new identity of TGR Haas F1 Team, with Toyota Gazoo Racing, the company's motorsport and research division, taking over as the team's primary partner from MoneyGram.
Toyota initially withdrew from Grand Prix racing due to financial losses, with Sauber taking its grid slot.
During their previous stint, the manufacturer achieved a best finish of fourth in the 2005 Constructors' Championship, fielding drivers including Jarno Trulli, Ralf Schumacher and Kamui Kobayashi.
The elevated partnership builds on a multi-year technical agreement signed by the two organisations in October 2024.
Central to this collaboration has been the establishment of the TGR Haas Driver Development Programme, which evolved from the Testing of Previous Cars initiative launched this season.
Through this scheme, Japanese drivers Ryo Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Kamui Kobayashi and Sho Tsuboi have gained experience behind the wheel of older-specification Formula 1 machinery.
Toyota has additionally contributed to the construction of an advanced simulator at Haas's Banbury headquarters, scheduled to become operational ahead of the new regulatory era next year.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu described the strengthened alliance as "a privilege," highlighting how the working relationship has exceeded expectations.
Komatsu said: "It's been evidenced through our successful TPC running this season but there's been so much more going on behind the scenes too, including the development and installation of the simulator at our Banbury facility for 2026."
He emphasised that personnel development through collaboration between both parties has proved highly beneficial.
Komatsu added: "We're excited to further grow with the likes of our driver program too, and it's been encouraging to see the depth of talent TGR is backing in that process."
LATEST SPORT NEWS
- Lewis Hamilton replaced by Ferrari as details emerge ahead of F1 finale at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Red Bull announces new team-mate for Max Verstappen in 2026 driver shake-up
- Lando Norris sends defiant message to Max Verstappen ahead of seismic F1 title showdown
Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda spoke of witnessing young engineers and drivers develop newfound confidence throughout the 2025 campaign.
Toyoda said: "The time has come for the next generation to take their first steps toward the world stage.
"Together with Gene Haas, Ayao, and everyone at TGR Haas F1 Team, we will build both a culture and a team for the future."
He added: "Toyota is now truly on the move."
The newly branded outfit will present its VF-26 livery online on January 23, ahead of a closed five-day test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya commencing January 26.
Haas currently occupies eighth position in the Constructors' Championship, trailing Aston Martin by seven points before this weekend's Abu Dhabi finale.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
0 Comments
Don't share any link