Toyota teams up with Haas
Toyota will become title sponsor of the Haas Formula 1 team next year when it replaces digital payment company Moneygram.
The marque returned to F1 last year for the first time since 2009 with Haas as part of a technical partnership through Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), its motorsport and research and development division.
A key element of the multi-year partnership signed in 2024 was creating the US team’s first testing of previous car (TPC) programme, which was launched the following year.
Over the course of 14 days, Japanese racers Ryo Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Sho Tsuboi and Kamui Kobayashi all had outings via their TGR associations. The deal has also allowed for the installing of Toyota’s first-ever personal simulator at the team’s UK base in Banbury, which is set to come online next season.
Haas say the enhanced arrangement will see the “further bonding of the core objectives” of the two companies and focus on “people, product, pipeline”. This includes developing essential human resources such as drivers, engineers and mechanics to build a “sustainable motorsports industry and culture”.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu says: “Our working relationship to date has been everything we hoped it would be. It’s been evidenced through our successful TPC 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.
“The cultivation of personnel, all working between Haas and TGR, has benefited us greatly and that will only increase as our partnership matures. We’re excited to further grow with the likes of our driver programme too and it’s been encouraging to see the depth of talent TGR is backing in that process.”
Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, adds: “Throughout our challenges in the 2025 season, I witnessed young TGR drivers and engineers begin to believe in their own potential and set their sights on even greater dreams.
“Seeing this transformation moved me deeply. Toyota has finally begun to move, really move. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for standing alongside our young members by believing in their potential, and facing the future with the same passion and perspective.
“By taking our partnership with Haas another step forward next year, TGR’s ‘people, product, pipeline’ mantra will accelerate in a way we’ve never seen before.
“The time has come for the next generation to take their first steps towards the world stage. Together with Gene, Ayao and everyone at Haas, we will build a culture and team for the future.”
The improved Toyota arrangement will run alongside Haas’ existing deal with Ferrari, which began when it entered the sport in 2016. This includes the supply of the Italian team’s power unit and gearbox, plus other selected parts and use of the Ferrari’s simulator in Maranello.
