Source:REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
[Saba Sports News] According to RacingNews365, automobile giant Toyota has approached Haas for potential cooperation in Formula 1. The initial agreement would be a sponsorship deal, similar to the partnership between Alfa Romeo and Sauber. Toyota aims to make a comeback to the F1 track starting in 2026. Toyota and Haas are likely to collaborate closely on the 2026 project, with Toyota potentially assisting in building racing components from 2025. The plan also includes the use of Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne’s Cave Laboratory. There is a possibility that Toyota may consider producing its own engines as well. Toyota previously participated in the F1 championship from 2002 to 2009, with an annual budget of up to $300 million, comparable to top-tier teams. During those eight years, they competed in 139 F1 Grand Prix races, achieved 3 pole positions, and stood on the podium 13 times, but failed to win a championship. Due to the financial crisis and declining global sales revenue, Toyota withdrew from F1 after the 2009 season. Since then, there have been no Japanese manufacturer teams in the F1 lineup.