Toyota has made its return to Formula 1 after a 15-year hiatus, following a new technical agreement with Haas. Under this multi-year arrangement, Toyota’s Gazoo Racing (TGR) motorsports division will “exchange expertise, knowledge, and resources.” This marks Toyota’s first involvement in the sport since it exited in 2009, having participated for eight seasons as both a works team and engine supplier. A deal was made between Toyota and the Haas F1 Team that makes Toyota’s racing branch the team’s official technical sponsor. The deal starts immediately, and the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) logo will be at the US Grand Prix the following week. As part of the multi-year deal, TGR will “share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources” with Haas. This will give Formula One’s smallest team much-needed financial help. Formula 1 says that TGR will provide design, technical, and production services in exchange for Haas’s scientific know-how. Actually, Haas will still buy parts from Ferrari, even though they have a new relationship with them. Before this alliance, Toyota hadn’t yet participated in the sport since it got rid of its own works squad fifteen years ago. After eight years as a works team and engine provider, Toyota finished fourth in the constructors’ title with 13 podiums. It ended in 2009. The Dakar Rally, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and other client races are some of the foreign motorsports series that TGR is now involved in. Gazoo Racing Company head Tomoya Takahashi was happy with the deal, even though Toyota won’t be providing engines again. “By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsports, we aim to cultivate drivers, engineers, and mechanics,” Takahashi adds.
