American Formula 1 team Haas and Toyota Gazoo Racing have confirmed “a new and dynamic collaborative” multi-year relationship which will see both parties share expertise, knowledge and resources.
Toyota Gazoo Racing, the motorsport competition and research and development division of Japanese automotive manufacturer – Toyota Motor Corporation, will provide design, technical and manufacturing services, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits in return.
Toyota spent eight seasons in Formula 1 as a works team and engine supplier from 2002, where they achieved 13 podiums and a best result of fourth in the constructors’ championship before leaving at the end of the 2009 season “as part of a cost-sutting programme.”
The deal, which begins immediately, sees the brand return to the sport for the first time in 15 years.
For Haas, the deal will complement their existing arrangement with Ferrari, who they have worked in since entering the sport in 2016.
Starting from the United States Grand Prix, Toyota Gazoo Racing branding will be present on the Haas cars driven by Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg.
“I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have come together to enter into this technical partnership,” stated Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of Haas.
“To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organization, while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise – it’s simply a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides.
“The ability to tap into the resources and knowledge base available at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, while benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be instrumental in our own development and our clear desire to further increase our competitiveness in Formula 1. In return we offer a platform for TOYOTA GAZOO Racing to fully utilize and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.
“I’m naturally pleased that we’ve had the support of the likes of Formula 1 and our long-term partner, Scuderia Ferrari – who we announced our further continuation with earlier in the season, in the formation of this new technical partnership – designed to achieve continued success in our Formula 1 endeavors.
“Together with Gene Haas, I’d specifically like to thank Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1) and Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari) on that front, and with Toyota I’d like to thank Akio Toyoda (Chairman – Toyota Motor Corporation), Tomoya Takahashi (President – GAZOO Racing Company) and Masaya Kaji (Project Manager – GAZOO Racing Company).
“Everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is looking forward to the collaborative results of this new relationship, we can’t wait to get started and fulfil our combined ambitions.”
Tomoya Takahashi, President of GAZOO Racing Company, added, we are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have concluded a basic agreement to enter a technical partnership such as Haas vehicle development.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Gene Haas, Mr. Ayao Komatsu, Mr. Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1), Mr. Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari), and all our existing partners of the team for their exceptional cooperation and understanding in this collaboration.
“By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsports, we aim to cultivate drivers, engineers, and mechanics while strengthening the capabilities of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, and we desire to contribute to motorsports and the automotive industry.”
Haas currently sit seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, only three points behind Liam Lawson’s RB team.
Header Image: Haas
