Toyota return to f1

[haza]

With Toyota signing a technical partnership an now a title partnership with haas what are the chances Toyota are gearing up for a full scale return as a constructor/engine manufacturer using haas as a surrogate to gain information (kind of like the Audi Sauber collab) would be good for f1 to gain another manufacturer with ford audi and General Motors joining the pool

[basti313]

I do not see more or less chances by this. Toyota GR was always in the mix of F1 with their windtunnel and consulting. The sponsorship deal with Haas does not change much in my POV.
For the next years the topic is anyways closed, even Caddy will not build an own engine anymore. Things will mix again with the next engine rule set, maybe in two years.

[Martin Keene]

With Toyota signing a technical partnership an now a title partnership with haas what are the chances Toyota are gearing up for a full scale return as a constructor/engine manufacturer using haas as a surrogate to gain information (kind of like the Audi Sauber collab) would be good for f1 to gain another manufacturer with ford audi and General Motors joining the pool

Not a chance, certainly with Haas, their infrastructure is spread out across the globe.

[WardenOfTheNorth]

I do not see more or less chances by this. Toyota GR was always in the mix of F1 with their windtunnel and consulting. The sponsorship deal with Haas does not change much in my POV.
For the next years the topic is anyways closed, even Caddy will not build an own engine anymore. Things will mix again with the next engine rule set, maybe in two years.

Wait, when did Cadillac cancel their plans to develop their own PU?

[Richard C]

For the next years the topic is anyways closed, even Caddy will not build an own engine anymore. Things will mix again with the next engine rule set, maybe in two years.

A bit off topic as this is about Toyota, but my understanding is that as excited as some have been about a potential early end to the 2026-2030 power unit spec, it seems that (for now) that is a close topic as not enough of the manufactures agree on ending that spec early. Of course that could change if the spec proves to be disastrous somehow.

As to GM power unit, my understanding is that they are to use Ferrari power units until the GM solution is ready (2026-28). They are currently building their power unit facility in Concord with that expected to be done late 2026/early 2027. They are no doubt doing some design work now (within PU resource rules), but are not likely to switch to their own power unit until 2029.

Richard

[joseff]

I think Akio Toyoda stated that he wanted to provide an opportunity for Japanese (i.e. Toyota) drivers and engineers to compete in F1. Short term, this means Hirakawa and Rovanpera.

This way, Toyota reaps benefits of F1 competition, minus the crazy costs. And already, marketing benefits as well. Going full constructor would just add diminishing returns vs the extra investment.

[FW17]

For the next years the topic is anyways closed, even Caddy will not build an own engine anymore. Things will mix again with the next engine rule set, maybe in two years.

A bit off topic as this is about Toyota, but my understanding is that as excited as some have been about a potential early end to the 2026-2030 power unit spec, it seems that (for now) that is a close topic as not enough of the manufactures agree on ending that spec early. Of course that could change if the spec proves to be disastrous somehow.

As to GM power unit, my understanding is that they are to use Ferrari power units until the GM solution is ready (2026-28). They are currently building their power unit facility in Concord with that expected to be done late 2026/early 2027. They are no doubt doing some design work now (within PU resource rules), but are not likely to switch to their own power unit until 2029.

Richard

Toyota could become the first manufacturer to field a F1 power unit in a Lemans/WEC race. Swap out the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged petrol V6 to a 1.6 liter single turbo unit.