--- title: "Toyota F1 Comeback Rumors Are Swirling, but It’s Complicated" date: "2024-07-10" modified: "2024-07-10" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/toyota-f1-comeback-rumors-are-swirling-but-its-complicated" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Toyota F1 Comeback Rumors Are Swirling, but It’s Complicated ![toyota]() *\Clive Mason\* The rumor mill never stops, but as is to be expected, most of the stuff it churns out is pure speculation. Today, the rumor emerging from the WEC paddock in Brazil is that [Toyota]() will return to [Formula 1]() via a partnership with the [Haas F1 Team](). The report was originally published by a reputable [Hungarian outlet](), and echoed by several other racing publications. However, the specifics of the alleged comeback aren't entirely clear, with some claiming that Toyota could simply sponsor the American team as early as 2025, while [others]() say that the partnership could extend to building F1 cars alongside Haas and Dallara starting in 2026. Toyota nor Haas have made any official statements on the matter, and it's highly unlikely that they will anytime soon. Either way, while this report should be taken with a grain of salt, it's worth pointing out that there is some credence to these claims. For starters, Toyota's former headquarters in Cologne, Germany—from when the automaker ran its own works F1 team from 2002 through 2009—still exists. In fact, it was never dismantled or closed down, but simply repurposed to provide other F1 teams with state-of-the-art facilities so they could do their own development. Most recently, McLaren has been a longtime user of the site, especially the wind tunnel, though the papaya squad now has their own. According to *[GPBlog]()*, Andretti Global has also been renting space and tool time from Toyota in preparation for a possible F1 entrance in 2026. The original report claims that Haas is negotiating with Toyota to use these facilities, though no explanations are given. The other facet of the rumor is that Toyota could partner with Haas as a sponsor. The Japanese automaker would reportedly not be involved in a technical partnership with the brand, but instead, something similar to the Sauber-Alfa Romeo marketing exercise. Frankly, this sounds odd given that Haas runs Ferrari engines, so bringing Toyota into the fold—even if it's a mere decal—likely wouldn't be okay with the Italians. At least Alfa Romeo is part of the Stellantis family, while Toyota certainly isn't. ![toyota]() **Getty* Michael Cole* Lastly, the report mentions a joint venture between Haas, Toyota, and Dallara "from 2025 onwards." This would reportedly result in the automaker building components and various parts for the Haas F1 cars, but nothing involving the power unit. Because, again, Ferrari. According to the rumor, Toyota currently has "no immediate plans" to be an F1 engine supplier. So, where does this leave us? It's complicated, but it seems that at least part of the rumor could easily become a reality. If Haas convinced Toyota to hand over a handsome check in exchange for a Haas-Toyota marketing ploy, the American team could maybe convince Ferrari that it needs that money to survive. Ferrari, wanting to keep that revenue stream open, might oblige. In return, Toyota could also let Haas use some of its facilities at no cost or reduced cost, which could help Haas be more competitive. Exactly which facilities Haas could benefit from, however? That's not entirely clear. Looking back at a recent comment that, unlike this rumor, is actually on the record, might shed some light on how likely Toyota is to return to F1 in any capacity. Speaking to *[GPBlog]()* back in May, Managing Director of Toyota Racing Rob Leupen told the outlet this: "What did Formula 1 bring Toyota at the time \[the 2000s\], 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." Doesn't sound too encouraging, now, does it? *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()