Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has opened up about his long-standing regret over the company’s decision to withdraw from Formula 1 in 2009, citing the desire to “inspire Japanese children” through Toyota’s renewed involvement in the sport via a technical alliance with Haas F1.
The Japanese automotive giant first entered F1 in 2002, establishing a factory team at great expense. Over eight seasons, Toyota’s efforts yielded 13 podium finishes, but the team never clinched a race victory. The global financial crisis of 2008 prompted Toyota to exit the sport, a decision that Toyoda, the then-president of the company, now reflects on with regret.
“I’m the Person Who Quit F1”
“Everyone wants to drive the world’s fastest cars,” Toyoda admitted. “That said, I’m the person who quit F1.”
In a candid statement, Toyoda expressed his personal regret over the decision, which he felt had blocked young Japanese drivers’ paths to competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. He acknowledged the passion that still burns in him for the sport, even after 15 years since Toyota’s withdrawal.
“I dare to add that I still believe my decision as the president of Toyota to withdraw from F1 was not wrong,” he said, defending his choice in light of the economic challenges at the time. Nevertheless, Toyoda emphasized that his goal now is to reignite the dreams of Japanese youths through Toyota’s involvement with Haas F1.
Toyota’s Comeback: Haas Partnership to Drive Japanese Talent
Through Toyota Gazoo Racing, the company has entered a technical alliance with Haas. The partnership will see Toyota assist Haas with aerodynamic development, manufacturing, and design work. Additionally, Toyota’s development drivers, engineers, and mechanics will be integrated into Haas’ testing program, offering them vital experience in the F1 environment.
“Please make sure that tomorrow’s headlines don’t read: ‘Toyota Finally Returns to F1,’” Toyoda emphasized. “Rather, it would be great to see headlines and articles that inspire Japanese children to dream of the possibility that they, too, could one day drive the world’s fastest cars.”
A Pathway for Future Japanese Drivers
Toyoda’s vision extends beyond technical support. He aims to create a pipeline for Japanese talent, promoting drivers from local karting circuits through the country’s single-seater ladder, eventually preparing them for Super Formula and Formula 1. He highlighted the ambition of seeing a Super Formula driver rise to the highest level of the sport, with Toyota providing the necessary resources and opportunities.
Currently, Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Ritomo Miyata competes in FIA Formula 2 with Rodin, while Ryo Hirakawa, an FIA World Endurance Champion, serves as a reserve driver for McLaren. These drivers represent the first steps in Toyota’s renewed effort to bring Japanese talent to the forefront of international motorsport.
With the Haas partnership, Toyota aims to build a bridge between Japan’s domestic racing series and the global stage of Formula 1, ensuring the country remains a formidable presence in the motorsport world.
