F1 | Official: Haas changes name, Toyota returns to Formula 1
Toyota is strengthening its presence within the Haas team. The American squad has announced that from next season the team will be renamed TGR Haas F1, standing for Toyota Gazoo Racing. The deal is described as a ‘title partnership,’ highlighting the Japanese manufacturer’s growing interest in the Formula 1 market. Following a multi-year technical partnership signed in October 2024, this new agreement between Haas and Toyota represents a further step towards deeper involvement.
The executives of the Japanese giant seem to have learned from their disappointing experience in Formula 1 from 2002 to 2009. Despite a massive budget, the team failed to achieve the expected results, finishing the period without a single victory. Now, the approach appears very different from twenty-five years ago, when their F1 entry was announced with enormous spending, even by today’s standards. The partnership with Haas continues quietly, with Toyota officially focusing on the training and development of engineers.
Next year, the TGR working group will handle TPC tests (“TGR Haas Driver Development Program”), with a particular focus on the growth of junior drivers. This season, the TPC program was conducted with the Haas VF-23 at circuits including Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Fuji Speedway, Imola, and Mugello for a total of 14 days. Japanese drivers involved included Ryo Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Sho Tsuboi, and Kamui Kobayashi.
“During the 2025 season, I witnessed young TGR drivers and engineers start believing in their potential and aiming for even bigger dreams,” commented Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation. “Seeing this transformation moved me deeply. And today, I can say with confidence, Toyota has finally begun to move, truly move. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for standing by our young engineers and drivers, believing in their potential.”
“Now, we face a further step forward in our partnership with Haas. It is time for the next generation to take their first steps onto the world stage. Together with Gene Haas, Ayao, and everyone working at TGR Haas F1 Team, we will build a culture and a team for the future. Toyota is now truly in motion.”
Akio Toyoda’s words do not go into specifics but can be interpreted as a further step towards a potential official return to Formula 1. This time, the Japanese manufacturer plans to move cautiously, carefully assessing when and how to make its presence fully visible. Nevertheless, the path seems set.
“It is a privilege for us to deepen our relationship with Toyota Racing through this new title partnership,” stated Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. “In 2025 we ran an extensive TPC test program, but much more happened behind the scenes, including the development and installation of a simulator at our Banbury facility, which will be operational in 2026. Staff training was also conducted, a program that involved close collaboration between Haas F1 Team and TGR, with mutual benefits.”
Haas also confirmed the date for the unveiling of the VF-26 livery, the car that will compete next season. The launch will take place online on 23 January, ahead of the team’s departure for the Circuit de Catalunya, where the first collective tests of the season are scheduled from 26 to 30 January. Each team will be granted three track days, followed by two official tests in February at the Bahrain International Circuit.
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