Haas has officially confirmed a partnership with Toyota, bringing the Japanese manufacturer back into Formula 1.
Speculation about a potential collaboration had arisen months ago, after Toyota representatives were seen in the American team's garage during the grand prix weekend at Silverstone.
Initially, experts believed that Toyota was simply seeking a new tenant for its Cologne wind tunnel, which had previously been used by McLaren. With McLaren now utilizing its own advanced facility at Woking, the situation has evolved beyond mere facility leasing.
At the time, Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Tobias Gruner reported, "It is also possible that Toyota will take over some of the contracted manufacturing (for Haas) that is currently carried out at Dallara in Italy."
The partnership between Haas and Toyota has now been officially confirmed with a "multi-year agreement" that will see Toyota Gazoo Racing provide "design, technical and manufacturing services" to the team.
The collaboration will also feature Toyota branding on Haas's Ferrari-powered cars starting at the US Grand Prix in Austin.
Ayao Komatsu, Haas's Japanese team boss, expressed gratitude for Ferrari's support in the new arrangement. "Together with Gene Haas, I'd specifically like to thank Stefano Domenicali and Fred Vasseur on that front," said the Japanese engineer.
Auto Motor und Sport has revealed that a new front wing, manufactured by Toyota, will debut on the 2024 Haas car at Austin. "More and more parts will be added bit by bit," said correspondent Michael Schmidt. "The aim is that by mid-2025, all components will be supplied by Toyota, with the exception of the chassis and the drivetrain elements produced by Ferrari."
Toyota had exited Formula 1 after the 2009 season, shutting down its Cologne-based works team. Now, the manufacturer is set to make a gradual return to the sport through this strategic partnership, with an incremental integration of Toyota-manufactured components into the Haas team's car over the coming years.
