Japanese automotive giant exploring option to be a part of F1: Reports

Japanese automotive company Toyota has reportedly begun looking at ways to make its return to F1, which began with its technical partnership agreement with the American F1 team, Haas. In October 2024, Toyota and Haas entered into an agreement that allows for both teams to share resources with each other.

Specifically, Toyota will be providing design, technical, and manufacturing services to the team that finished seventh in the constructors' standings this past season. Haas will be providing technical and commercial expertise to the Japanese company that was once part of the grid. Toyota competed in Formula 1 from 2002 to 2009, acting as a home to drivers like Timo Glock, Ralf Schumacher, Mika Salo among others. During its time in the sport, Toyota had a highest finish of fourth place in the standings in 2005, which it achieved with five podium finishes that year.

Masaya Kaji, the director of global motorsport at Toyota Gazoo Racing, which is the Japanese car company's motorsport and R&D division, has denied that they will be back on the grid anytime soon, but has hinted at the possibility (via Motorsport.com):

“We are, of course, studying the technologies for 2026 and even current technologies. I feel we’re gradually moving in that direction.”

He also added that they aren't in a place to start their team just yet, mentioning that the stage they're in right now is all about building relationships with the current F1 teams.

"But realistically, we have to evaluate how much money and how many staff members would be required to make that happen. That’s why I don’t think we’re at the stage of saying, ‘Let’s start a team immediately'. For now, building partnerships, like with Haas, and working with various teams is what’s important. We’re not in a stage to leap over those steps. We need to focus on doing what we should be doing right now."

While Haas has struck a deal with TGR, it will also continue to remain partners with Ferrari, buying as many parts as the rules allow. Toyota will join Haas during its TPC testing, providing assistance to the team while it also gains knowledge.

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Aston Martin and Honda - the other F1 team and Japanese company technical partnership

Felipe Drugovich of the Aston Martin F1 Team drives the AMR24 during Formula 1 testing at Yas Marina Circuit - Source: Getty

A month before the news from October 2024 announcing TGR and Haas' partnership broke, Silverstone-based Aston Martin announced that it would enter into a technical collaboration with another Japanese car company, Honda. The team also announced that it would be collaborating with Aramco and Valvoline in this technical agreement.

Honda will be helping the Aston Martin F1 team by developing a new power unit for its 2026 car that will have to adhere to updated regulations. The Japanese company is working on an engine that will be created with a 50-50 split between electric and combustion power. Honda is also an engine manafacturer for Red Bull Racing, but their partnership ends after the 2025 season.

Speaking about the new agreement for the 2026 season, majority owner Lawrence Stroll said (via Aston Martin):

"The joint-efforts in developing advanced fuels [from Aramco] and lubricants [from Valvoline], along with our new Honda power unit, are set to elevate our on-track performance and we are confident that this partnership will bring substantial success to everyone involved."

The 2024 F1 season ended with Aston Martin placing fifth in the constructors' standings, two places below Red Bull and two places above Haas.