The Formula 1 paddock is buzzing with speculation about a potential return of Toyota to the grid, but F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has urged caution as the sport considers its future expansion. With the Japanese automotive giant missing from F1 for over a decade, recent partnerships and rumors have reignited hopes for a full-scale Toyota comeback. Domenicali, however, has made it clear that no formal plans have been discussed.
Toyota’s F1 History and Recent Rumblings
Toyota last competed in Formula 1 in 2009 before exiting the sport amid financial pressures during the global economic downturn. However, its motorsport arm, Gazoo Racing, signed a technical partnership with Haas in 2024, sparking rumors of a renewed interest in F1. While initial reports of Toyota entering as a standalone team were dismissed, the automaker has hinted at future ambitions, keeping the F1 community on edge.
Domenicali acknowledged the interest surrounding Toyota but emphasized a measured approach.
“We must be prudent and do things calmly. Right now, everyone would like to come in,” Domenicali explained. “For now, there are ten teams, and in 2026, the eleventh team will arrive… Evaluations will have to be made if there are requests. To date, I have not heard anything about it, but as always, we will evaluate all the options.”
The Impact of F1’s Cost Cap on New Entrants
One of the key factors making Formula 1 more appealing to potential new teams, including Toyota, is the introduction of the cost cap in 2021. By limiting team spending, F1 has not only leveled the playing field but also transformed top teams into profitable entities. Domenicali highlighted this as a “keystone” in attracting interest from major manufacturers.
“After the introduction of the spending ceiling, the most important teams earn money and are no longer cost centers or investments in marketing. This is very important,” Domenicali noted. The cost cap has shifted the perception of F1 from a financial burden to a commercially viable opportunity, enticing manufacturers like Toyota to reconsider their position.
2026: A New Era and New Teams
The grid is already set to expand in 2026 with the confirmed entry of General Motors in partnership with Andretti Global. This eleventh team will mark a significant addition to F1, but it also sets a precedent for future entrants like Toyota. However, the existing teams are expected to demand a substantial dilution fee to protect their revenue share, potentially making Toyota’s path to the grid more complex.
Domenicali emphasized that any new entries would require careful evaluation, both to maintain the sport’s competitive balance and to ensure financial stability for existing teams.
What Would Toyota Bring to F1?
Toyota’s return would be a significant boost for the sport, given its status as one of the world’s largest automakers. The brand’s expertise in hybrid and sustainable technologies aligns with F1’s push toward a greener future, particularly under the 2026 engine regulations. Toyota’s re-entry would also add a new layer of competition and diversity, exciting fans and enhancing F1’s global appeal.
For fans, the idea of Toyota challenging the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari is tantalizing. Their history in motorsport, including dominance in the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans, demonstrates their capability to compete at the highest level.
The Road Ahead
While Toyota has not yet formalized any plans to return to F1, Domenicali’s comments suggest that the door is open for discussions. However, the process will require patience, evaluation, and a willingness to navigate F1’s complex financial and competitive landscape.
For now, fans can only wait and speculate. But if Toyota does decide to take the plunge, it could mark one of the most exciting developments in modern Formula 1, adding a new chapter to the sport’s legacy.