Panasonic Toyota Racing was a Formula One team owned by the Toyota Motor Corporation, a Japanese automotive manufacturer. The team was established in Cologne, Germany, and announced its entry into the sport in 1999. After extensive preparations, the team debuted in 2002 with the TF101, which managed to score a point in its first F1 race.
However, Toyota faced substantial criticism over the years for having the largest budget in Formula One, reportedly around $1 billion, yet failing to secure a Grand Prix victory. Notable drivers who raced for the team included Mika Salo, Jarno Trulli, Ralf Schumacher, Timo Glock, and Kamui Kobayashi.
On November 9, 2009, Toyota announced its immediate exit from F1, concluding its involvement after eight seasons. Similar to Honda’s transfer of their 2009 car to Brawn, which then clinched both championships, several industry insiders believe that the 2010 Toyota F1 chassis, which was developed but never raced, was among the most aerodynamically advanced F1 cars seen.
Toyota’s Stance on FIA’s New Manufacturer Recruitment
Toyota was not convinced by the FIA’s efforts to attract new manufacturers to Formula One. Although they participated in the FIA’s 2017 discussions regarding new power units, their commitment to the project was never as strong as that of Audi and Porsche.
In October 2024, the Haas F1 team announced a technical partnership with Toyota. This collaboration will provide design, technical, and manufacturing support from Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR). The partnership aims to help Haas meet the FIA’s requirements for independence, complementing their existing collaboration with Ferrari and gradually reducing external outsourcing.
During the announcement, Toyota chairman Aki Toyota emphasized that this partnership did not indicate a potential return to F1. Nonetheless, in January of this year, Masaya Kaji, TGR’s director of global motorsport, revealed that Toyota is exploring the possibility of returning to F1.
Challenges for Haas F1’s Parent Company
Haas has underscored its ongoing relationship with Ferrari, with Komatsu explaining to the Japan Times that, “This team doesn’t exist without Ferrari. What Toyota is bringing to us is in the areas that Ferrari can’t help us, by the regulations.” However, Haas’s parent company is facing difficulties due to recent significant increases in import tariffs, which are straining its US manufacturing business.
The company released a statement indicating a sharp decline in demand for machine tools, leading to production cuts, halted hiring, and a freeze on new employment requests. Haas is urging the US administration for tariff exemptions on essential raw materials and components while maintaining tariffs on imported machine tools. They now find themselves competing for consideration alongside global leaders in appealing for exemptions from the new economic measures.
