Toyota could be planning its return to the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Rumours are that the Japanese manufacturer is likely to join hands with the Haas F1 team and Toyota could build F1 cars for Haas in 2026. However, neither Toyota nor Haas have made any official statements on this partnership. Rumours also suggest that a partnerships between Haas, Dallara and Toyota is spawning which could take fruit in 2025 but is it a technical partnership or a sponsorship remains to be seen. Reports also reveal that, Toyota does not have any immediate plans to supply the engine to the Formula 1 team as of yet.
However, Toyota has not yet dismantled its Cologne, Germany testing facility which the car manufacturer used in its Formula 1 days which lasted from 2002 to 2009. In fact, the test facility also has its own wind tunnel which means like before, Toyota could still have the capability to manufacture their own Formula 1 cars and not just buy a team to become and engine supplier which most team do. While Haas’ racing cars are built by Dallara since 2016 and powered by Ferrari engines, Toyota could build the complete car and engine under Toyota Gazoo Racing facility, if it partners with Haas. However, Haas cars are likely to use Ferrari engines until its cooperation is valid till 2028.
It is also being rumoured that Gene Haas the American owner of the team has been planning to sell the team, but if Toyota joins in the burden is likely to be reduced and it will be possible to retain part of the team. Speculation also surround about Toyota’s World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championships where the brand is present with a factory program, and will entering into Formula 1 affect these activities. Back in its day Toyota Formula 1 racing team had 123 Grand Prix starts under its belt with 219 points, 8 podiums, 2 pole positions and 1 fastest lap.
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