F1 Today | Toyota to potentially return to F1 and more silly season rumours

Are Toyota returning to the world of F1?

Toyota have not been in the world of F1 since their withdrawal from the sport on 4 November 2009, notching 139 starts and 13 podiums in their time. However, their motorsport pedigree has continued, having a hugely successful time in the World Endurance Championship by taking six WEC drivers and team championships, along with five straight 24 Hours of Le Mans victories from 2018 to 2022. However, a potential return to F1 is on the cards.

Exploratory talks have taken place between Toyota and Haas that would allow Haas to use Toyota's manufacturing facilities. It may not mean that the Japanese team will participate in the design and construction of the Haas F1 car, but letting the American team use their facilities would be a new form of revenue collection, an aspect where Toyota partly earns its money.

A few weeks ago in Le Mans, GPblog spoke with Managing Director of Toyota Racing Rob Leupen about the potential return of Toyota to the premier class of motorsport, to which the Dutchman said, "What did Formula 1 bring Toyota at the time, apart from a nice factory? A lot of money went through to make Toyota's name better known. I think in WEC we can show more what Toyota does, what the brand stands for."

Valtteri Bottas shuts down Mercedes rumours

2025 still has a lot of question marks surrounding its driver lineup. One of the questions is what will happen to Grand Prix winner Valtteri Bottas? The current Sauber driver has not yet signed a contract extension with the Swiss team, leaving his future with the team, who will turn to Audi in 20206, up in the air.

There were rumours surrounding the Finn as to whether he would resign with Mercedes and pair up with George Russell and, once again, Toto Wolff as a result of the departing Lewis Hamilton. However, speaking to Mirror Sport, he has ruled out that potential return, saying, "I want something multi-year with a clear plan for the years ahead and work together for that time. I think that's what I need, a good challenge and a clear plan. If I just do one year, then you're back to square one again and looking at what's next."

Bottas also spoke about his contract options at the British Grand Prix to several media outlets including GPblog, believing that he is "in a good position" regarding his future. He also hopes that his contract will be sorted out before the summer break: "I think it's possible. That's the target."

Sainz still surrounded by Williams rumours

Another driver whose future is uncertain in F1 is Carlos Sainz. After the huge news broke that Lewis Hamilton would be joining Ferrari for the 2025 season to join Charles Leclerc, it meant that the Spaniard was without a drive for 2025. There were a lot of rumours linking Sainz to Audi for the 2026 season and their long-term project, but they have quietened down in the last couple of months. Rumours surrounded Sainz and Mercedes, but they have also gone cold.

However, stories linking Sainz and Williams have been growing stronger and stronger in the last few weeks, with both sides commenting on the fact they have shared mutual talks about the potential of signing a deal together. Sainz has been impressed with team principal James Vowels, and Vowels himself wants Sainz to be a part of the long-term project at Williams that he envisages.

Vowels spoke at the British Grand Prix and said that Sainz is a top priority and a "world-class driver", but a decision is still yet to be made in the next few days. However, with the re-signing of Alex Albon, there are clear indications that the British team are gearing up for the hope of more success in their long-term project, and Vowles sees Sainz as a key aspect of that. "What is more important is that whatever decision we come to or whatever driver the decision comes to, it is about forging a long-term relationship with each other," Vowles also commented at Silverstone.