Starting from 2026, Toyota will deepen its collaboration with Haas. The automotive giant will act as the title sponsor from next year, replacing the current partner, MoneyGram. This new collaboration follows a successful technical partnership: under the banner of Toyota Gazoo Racing, Haas has already benefited from the extensive technical knowledge and infrastructure of the Japanese. It also marked the return of Toyota to Formula 1.
The multi-year partnership, ratified in 2024, sparked various developments. For instance, in 2025, Haas’ first TPC program was launched, in which the Japanese drivers Ryō Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Sho Tsuboi, and Kamui Kobayashi took on fourteen test days through Toyota. Additionally, work was underway at the British headquarters in Banbury to install the first in-house simulator, which will be put into use in 2026. By expanding the collaboration, both parties hope for even more development opportunities for drivers, engineers, and mechanics.
Team boss Ayao Komatsu is enthusiastic about what the collaboration has already yielded: “So far, our working relationship has been everything we hoped for. This has been proven by our successful TPC days this season. But a lot has also happened behind the scenes; think about the installation of the simulator in Banbury for 2026.” He emphasizes that the cross-pollination between both organizations is becoming increasingly valuable. “The recruitment of staff, where everyone collaborates between Haas and Toyota, has helped us enormously. That will only increase as our collaboration further develops.”
Movement in F1: Toyota’s Progress
Akio Toyoda, the top executive at Toyota, is noticing the fruits of their partnership with Haas. “Last season, I saw young Toyota drivers and engineers start to believe in their own potential and set their sights on even bigger dreams. I want to express my sincere thanks to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for their support and their faith in the potential of our drivers and engineers. It’s time for the next generation to take their first steps towards the global stage. Together, we are building both a culture and a team for the future. Toyota is truly on the move.”
The strengthened collaboration is separate from the engine deal with Ferrari; the Italians will continue to supply the powertrain until 2026. Haas will unveil the new livery on January 23. Between 2002 and 2009, Toyota already had its own factory team in Formula 1. However, in the run-up to the 2010 season, the brand withdrew, partly due to increasing losses during the economic recession. Despite a massive budget, the Japanese were unable to win a race in eight seasons.
