There has been talk in the F1 world about Toyota potentially making a comeback to the sport. After leaving Formula 1 back in 2009, rumors have now emerged that the Japanese manufacturer may be considering a return to the grid with American team Haas in 2025.
However, there are many unknown factors still regarding their exact partnership plans. Through this blog post we aim to delve deeper into the possible collaboration between Toyota and Haas, while also looking at what such a return might mean for Formula 1.
Speculation is growing that Toyota may partner with Haas F1 as their comeback route starting from 2025. Some reports mention exploratory discussions between the two teams regarding an initial sponsorship agreement. This could see Toyota branding feature on the cars in return for financial support.
Long term, there is a reported goal for Toyota to take over production of some or all of the chassis parts for Haas from 2026 when new regulations come in. While engine supply may not be included immediately, Toyota’s world class facilities in Cologne could offer aerodynamic testing support to Haas.
Any technical partnership would likely depend on permission from Haas’s existing engine suppliers Ferrari. Overall, a Haas tie-up provides a practical re-entry point for Toyota back into Formula 1.
Seeing Sergio Perez’s ongoing issues adapting to the current Red Bull package, sky sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle proposed another option for the team. He highlighted that current Red Bull junior Liam Lawson has impressed with his speed and consistency in Formula 2 this season.
Lawson sits third in the standings with 4 wins so far in his debut F2 year. Brundle believes at just 20 years of age, Lawson’s youthful energy and hunger could be well suited to the competitive Red Bull outfit. He saw Liam as a 50% potential replacement if talks ever began over Perez’s future. Brundle remarked that after so long in F1 already, Perez may not have the flexibility to adapt his style that a new young driver could potentially offer Red Bull.
Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly knows the pressure of racing for Red Bull better than most, having endured a mid-season demotion from the team back in 2019. Speaking to the media recently, Gasly said around 45% of drivers are able to truly gel with the Red Bull philosophy, with himself not quite in that bracket.
However, he was surprised to see Perez currently struggling so much after two full seasons. Gasly stated there was clearly something absent which had worked for Perez earlier in his F1 career and with other teams. While experience remains valuable, Gasly felt either the Red Bull package or Perez’s driving had changed in a way that was disconnecting the natural confidence and composure the Mexican driver usually exhibited.
Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has acknowledged talks took place with the Alpine F1 team about a future power unit supply partnership. In a recent interview, Wolff went on record saying “preliminary discussions” did occur between the two automotive giants over potentially switching Alpine to Mercedes power.
While stating nothing is imminent or agreed, Wolff mentioned Mercedes was receptive to such a deal given their quest to expand in Formula 1. Alpine’s existing Renault engine deal ends after 2025 regulations, creating the opportunity.
However, Wolff also noted key commercial and technical matters would need resolving before any agreement could happen. This included arranging the right terms and assessing Alonso and Ocon’s car competitiveness with the Mercedes engine instead of the current Renault power.
Lacking a seat for 2025 after Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, there has been uncertainty around Carlos Sainz’s F1 future. However, conversations between Sainz and Williams team principal Jost Capito appear to be intensifying according to multiple reports. Capito has openly spoken of Sainz as a ‘top priority’, with Williams aiming high in 2025. Sainz has also been impressed with their long term project and vision. Sources indicate talks have reached an agreement in principle stage.
If confirmed, the potential move would see two time race winner Sainz move from McLaren to Williams. Such an experienced driver could boost Williams in their efforts to one day compete at the front. A deal could finalize in the coming weeks before summer factory shutdowns. Toyota’s potential return comes with many uncertainties to resolve. Technical rules from 2026 may affect plans, as could Ferrari’s stance on Haas using different engine suppliers. There are also commercial partnerships and budgets involved.
However, a phased entry through Haas sponsorship then eventually works support could ease Toyota back in smoothly over time. They must also consider existing commitments like WEC. Overall, Toyota returning raises both complex challenges and opportunities which must be weighed carefully. But with due diligence, their experience means a comeback need not be an overly risky move.
Toyota debuted in Formula 1 in 2002 and competed until 2009, securing 5 P2 finishes as highlights but never a race win. Their panasonic Toyota racing team put in solid efforts, achieving 5th best Constructors position in 2008.
Since leaving F1, Toyota has found success elsewhere, taking the 2021–2023 WRC titles and winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans 6 times from 2018–2022 with their GR race cars. They remain committed to WEC Championship. Toyota also uses facilities in Cologne, Germany to support different teams’ testing programmes. All of this underscores their continued passion and expertise in global motorsport.
Welcoming a manufacturer of Toyota’s history and size back would elevate Formula 1’s profile and competitiveness. Their involvement as an engine supplier potentially could stir team recruitment too. Honda benefit from being the sole Japanese presence currently.
Toyota’s participation would especially grow Asian fan and marketing interest. Other teams may welcome the extra resource to improve. To teams they partner, Toyota can provide new benchmarks to develop technical and operational standards.
Some established squads may though worry extra challenges for Constructors’ standings. But overall, Toyota strengthens the grid as a prestigious, innovative long-term player committed to pushing limits. Their return signifies positive momentum for the sport’s growth.
