Toyota insists it has no plans to return to Formula 1 as a powertrain supplier in the future, despite its new collaboration with Haas.
Haas currently uses Ferrari powertrains, gearboxes and suspension as part of a deal with the Italian builder, but has boosted its capabilities by announcing Toyota as its official technology partner. Toyota Gazoo Racing project manager Masaya Kaji said the participation did not foreshadow a greater commitment in terms of team ownership or powertrain supply.
“We have no plans to form a team in Formula 1,” Kaji said. “Currently we have the best option to work with Haas.
“With regard to power units, we currently have no plans to start supplying power units.”
Kaji said there had been discussions with other teams about potential partnerships, but Haas had proven to be the ideal collaboration as Toyota would install a simulator in Banbury and participate in the Transfer Vehicle Testing (TPC) programme.
“Now we have a relationship with McLaren, Ryo Hirakawa and of course some links with other teams as well,” he said. “But in reality, Haas and [Ayao] Mr. Komatsu is the best partner because our scope is the same and together we can strengthen our team. Our strengths and weaknesses fit perfectly. So we found a good answer by collaborating with Haas and Mr. Komatsu.
“We can provide simulator services, hardware, software, everything, and we can also help TPC on the simulator side. Of course, our simulators are currently only for WEC and customer programs, but our simulator engineers are top-notch, so we can provide you with good service. And we can learn more about F1 through this project.”
The TPC program will give Toyota drivers the opportunity to gain F1 car experience, and Komatsu said this could also be extended to reserve driver positions.
“It’s definitely an open possibility,” Komatsu said. “For example, for next year’s reserve drivers, we haven’t actually sat down with Fred (Vasseur, Ferrari team principal, to discuss) or the drivers who could be reserve drivers.
“But to be clear, we are not talking about paid drivers, whether Toyota drivers or non-Toyota drivers. We will always hire the best drivers for sporting results. So the prospective drivers will be the same. We haven’t made any decisions, but we’re not ruling anything out. It depends on the driver’s ability.”
