F1 News
Did Toyota also speak to other F1 teams? 'Had some connection'
Toyota Gazoo's project manager, Masaya Kaji, has indicated that they had "some connection" with other Formula 1 teams before securing a deal with Haas F1. The American F1 team and the Japanese have started a technical partnership, with expertise shared between the two parties.
Therefore, the Japanese name returns to Formula 1. When asked whether there had ever been talks with other Formula 1 teams, Kaji indicated that there has been a relationship with others.
Did Toyota Gazoo speak to other F1 teams?
"Actually now we have a relationship with McLaren, with Ryo Hirakawa. Of course we have some connection with other teams. But actually, Haas and Komatsu are the best partners because our scope is exactly the same. And we can strengthen the team together. Our strong point and weak point fit. We found a good answer to collaborate with Haas," Kaji said.
Hirakawa is a Japanese Racing driver currently driving for Toyota Gazoo in the World Endurance Championship. Hirakawa has been a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme and drove the MCL35M [the 2021 McLaren F1 car] in Barcelona towards the end of 2023.
Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership between Haas and Toyota. Toyota also competed as a manufacturer in Formula 1 between 2002 and 2009, but at the end of the latter year, they had to pull the plug due to financial problems.
This article has been created in collaboration with Estéban den Toom