Haas will showcase a major shift in 2026 as Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) becomes the team’s title partner, stepping into the role currently held by MoneyGram. The move marks a significant expansion of Toyota’s involvement, building on the partnership that reunited the manufacturer with Formula 1 for the first time since 2009.
Toyota Motor Corporation officially re-entered the sport last year through a technical collaboration with Haas, leveraging the expertise of its motorsport and research division, Toyota Gazoo Racing.
A major pillar of the long-term agreement, signed in 2024, was the introduction of Haas’ inaugural Testing of Previous Car (TPC) programme, which launched in 2025.
Across 14 active test days, TGR-linked drivers Ryō Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Sho Tsuboi and Kamui Kobayashi gained valuable mileage in F1 machinery as part of this initiative.
The collaboration has also allowed Haas to commission its first dedicated in-house driver simulator at its UK headquarters in Banbury – a milestone piece of infrastructure scheduled to become operational next year.
According to Haas, the strengthened arrangement will “further bond the core objectives” of both organisations, echoing TGR’s philosophy of “People, Product, Pipeline” – a joint focus on cultivating drivers, engineers and mechanics while supporting a sustainable motorsport future.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu expressed strong optimism about what the evolved partnership will deliver:
“Our working relationship to-date has been everything we hoped it would be. It’s been evidenced through our successful TPC running this season but there’s been so much more going on behind the scenes too – including the development and installation of the simulator at our Banbury facility for 2026.
“The cultivation of personnel, all working collaboratively between Haas F1 Team and TGR, has benefited us greatly and that’s something that will only increase as our partnership matures.
“We’re excited to further grow with the likes of our driver program too, and it’s been encouraging to see the depth of talent TGR is backing in that process.”
Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, spoke emotionally about the progress already made – particularly among young talent within the TGR ranks:
“Throughout our challenges in the 2025 season, I witnessed young TGR drivers and engineers begin to believe in their own potential and set their sights on even greater dreams.
“Seeing this transformation moved me deeply. And today, I can say this with confidence, Toyota has finally begun to move – really move. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for standing alongside our young members, believing in their potential, and facing the future with the same passion and perspective.
“By taking our partnership with Haas another step forward next year, TGR’s ‘People, Product, Pipeline’ mantra – will accelerate in a way we have never seen before.
“The time has come for the next generation to take their first steps toward the world stage. Together with Gene Haas, Ayao, and everyone at TGR Haas F1 Team, we will build both a culture and a team for the future. Toyota is now truly on the move.”
Despite Toyota’s increased presence, Haas will continue its long-standing supply agreement with Ferrari – a relationship that began with the team’s debut in 2016. Ferrari will continue to provide power units, gearboxes, additional listed components, and access to its driver simulator at Maranello.
Looking ahead, Haas confirmed that its new 2026 livery will be revealed digitally on 23 January, followed by private running in Barcelona from 26 January as part of a pre-season testing programme.
Haas enters the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season finale, positioned eighth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship – only seven points adrift of Aston Martin – with one final chance to climb the standings this weekend.
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