Toyota and Haas Strengthen Their Collaboration: Signs of Growing Interest from the Japanese Manufacturer in Formula 1?
Until just last season, the idea of organizing an in-season test session during the Formula 1 calendar was widely considered unrealistic for a small team like Haas. The financial strain and logistical complexity were simply too great, especially for a team that in 2023 finished last in the Constructors’ Championship, having scored only 12 points throughout the season. However, the American outfit has since undergone something of a transformation. Despite shutting down its NASCAR program last year to consolidate resources, the Haas F1 Team has already collected 29 World Championship points so far in the current season and continues to make strides through its increasingly significant partnership with Toyota.
Thanks to this collaboration with the Japanese automotive giant, the team founded by Gene Haas will conduct a new TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) session on August 6–7 at the Fuji Speedway circuit in Japan, underlining Toyota’s growing involvement and support.
Drivers on Track and Toyota’s Role in Shaping the Line-up
As per the regulations, Haas will use its 2023 car, the VF-23, for the Fuji test. The car will be driven by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa and reigning Super Formula and Super GT champion Sho Tsuboi, who will be making his debut behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car. This decision to field two Japanese drivers mirrors similar choices made by the team earlier this year: during January testing at Jerez and in a separate session at Circuit Paul Ricard in June, Haas gave opportunities to Ritomo Miyata and Kamui Kobayashi, respectively.
These selections clearly reflect the influence of Toyota, which has made no secret of its desire to promote Japanese drivers and offer them pathways to gain experience in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. The support for these young talents aligns with Toyota’s broader motorsport strategy of fostering homegrown talent and strengthening Japan’s presence in the global racing scene.
Return to Fuji and Toyota’s Strategic Goals
To mark the return of a Formula 1 car to Fuji Speedway—a circuit that has not hosted a Formula 1 Grand Prix since 2008—Toyota, the track’s owner, will open the facility to fans during the two days of testing. The manufacturer is also expected to have its own technical staff on site to observe and participate.
Masaya Kaji, Director of TGR Global Motorsport, explained that the technical partnership between Toyota and Haas focuses on improving three core areas: “people, operations, and product.” Kaji emphasized that the upcoming TPC test fits within Toyota’s human development initiatives. “We’re focusing on human resource development,” he said. “Sho Tsuboi’s challenge, already a Super Formula champion, will not only help him grow further as a driver but also serve as inspiration for other Toyota Gazoo Racing drivers. Additionally, mechanics and engineers from Toyota Motor Corporation will be on hand, and this will be a valuable experience for them. To get up close with the technologies and expertise required in the top tier of motorsport—Formula 1—will be hugely important for their professional growth.”
This TPC test clearly highlights Toyota’s active and hands-on involvement in Formula 1, even if unofficially. While for now it appears to be merely a partnership, there are growing signs that this might serve as a stepping stone toward a deeper, more formal return to the sport.
Could This Be Preparation for a Full-Scale Comeback to Formula 1?
Toyota is still actively involved in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where it has been a dominant force. However, recent speculation suggests that the Japanese manufacturer may be preparing to temporarily step back from endurance racing. This could be in anticipation of the next wave of technical regulations, or perhaps to make room for a more ambitious and forward-looking project that might involve a return to Formula 1. The current Hypercar used by Toyota in the WEC is now relatively old, and there are rumors of internal strategic evaluations concerning its motorsport commitments.
While there has been no official confirmation, activity behind the scenes—across both WEC and F1—suggests that a shift may be underway. For now, what appears to be a simple collaboration with Haas already involves a notable level of investment by Toyota, including the development of drivers, engineers, and even infrastructure.
Haas to Benefit from Toyota’s Technical Contributions, Including a Simulator
During the recent Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Haas Technical Director Andrea De Zordo shared additional insight into Toyota’s contribution to the American team. He highlighted that beyond the TPC tests, Toyota will assist Haas in developing its own dedicated driving simulator—an essential tool that the team currently lacks. According to De Zordo, this will play a crucial role in race preparation: “Arriving with proper simulator-based preparation allows us to start the race weekend better and helps the driver maximize their performance.”
He pointed out that this initial performance gap has been one of the factors putting Haas at a disadvantage compared to other teams. “If you begin the weekend well, the driver can focus more easily on building confidence and fine-tuning the car’s balance. The same principle applies to evaluating upgrades. Having a simulator where we can run those scenarios would be a massive benefit.” De Zordo stressed that this advantage could prove even more critical in light of the 2026 regulations and the upcoming new generation of Formula 1 cars.
A Positive and Ambitious Collaboration Backed by Key Figures
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu also commented positively on the partnership and the upcoming Fuji test. “I’m very excited that in our first season managing a TPC program, we’ll be able to run for two days at Fuji Speedway in Japan,” he stated. “It’s incredibly meaningful to test our car at Toyota’s home circuit, where we first announced our partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing back in October.”
Regarding the drivers selected for the test, Komatsu expressed enthusiasm about giving Sho Tsuboi his first-ever Formula 1 outing, especially considering his status as a multiple-time champion in Japan. He also highlighted the value of continuing the work with Ryo Hirakawa, whose talent is already well known within the team. Komatsu added that the use of the VF-23 for this test, along with opening the event to fans, creates an excellent opportunity for Japanese Formula 1 supporters. “The passion of Japanese fans is incredible, and being able to hold a second F1-related event in Japan this year, after the Japanese Grand Prix in April, is fantastic.”
Leave a Reply