In a groundbreaking step for Haas Formula 1, the team embarks on its first-ever private testing program at Jerez this week, showcasing the tangible benefits of its new partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. The collaboration, announced late last year, marks Toyota’s first direct involvement in F1 since shutting down its works team in 2009 and promises to reshape Haas’s operational landscape.
The Toyota Connection Takes Shape
The partnership between Haas and Toyota Gazoo Racing has been more than just branding. While the TGR logo appeared on Haas’s cars starting from the United States Grand Prix in 2024, the deal’s real potential is now becoming evident. Toyota’s support has enabled Haas to conduct private testing under F1’s “Testing of Previous Cars” (TPC) rules—a luxury the team could not previously afford.
This week’s program will see 2025 drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman behind the wheel of Haas’s 2023 car. Toyota junior driver Ritomo Miyata will also make his F1 debut, sharing track time and marking another milestone in the partnership.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu expressed his cautious optimism last year, stating, “Partnerships like these take time to yield results. Initially, it’s more of a stretch on resources as we align projects, but the long-term benefits are undeniable.”
A Head Start for 2025
The Jerez test is not just about acclimatization but a strategic move to gain a competitive edge for 2025. Ocon, transitioning from Alpine, will work closely with his new engineering team to fine-tune his setup. Meanwhile, Bearman, having already served as a reserve driver and raced twice for Haas in 2024, will solidify his role as a full-time driver.
For Miyata, this test is a golden opportunity. The Japanese driver, who boasts a rare Super Formula and Super GT double championship in 2023, is being groomed as a potential F1 star. His inclusion underscores Toyota’s commitment to developing talent and Haas’s willingness to integrate Toyota’s resources.
Technical Growth and Future Prospects
Beyond driver development, the Toyota partnership is facilitating Haas’s technical evolution. The team is installing its first driver-in-loop simulator at its Banbury headquarters—a project made possible by Toyota’s involvement. This advanced tool, along with an expansive TPC program, will not only enhance current performance but also lay a solid foundation for Haas’s 2026 car, which will comply with F1’s upcoming regulations overhaul.
Toyota, for its part, has emphasized that its involvement with Haas is primarily exploratory. While there are no immediate plans for Toyota to re-enter F1 as a works team or engine supplier, this partnership could be a precursor to something larger. Komatsu hinted, “This collaboration gives both parties a chance to understand what’s possible. It’s a toe in the water for now, but who knows what the future holds?”
A Strategic Yet Cautious Alliance
The Haas-Toyota partnership may evolve over time, but for now, both parties are focused on maximizing immediate gains. Haas benefits from Toyota’s technical expertise and resources, while Toyota evaluates its potential role in F1’s next chapter.
However, transforming this partnership into something more substantial—like a full works team—would require significant restructuring, especially given Haas’s current reliance on Ferrari for engines and gearboxes.
The Road Ahead
For Haas, this week’s test at Jerez symbolizes more than just laps on a track; it’s the dawn of a new era. With Ocon and Bearman aiming to capitalize on this head start, and Toyota’s involvement opening doors to opportunities previously out of reach, the team is poised for a promising 2025 campaign. While the idea of Toyota’s full-scale return to F1 remains speculative, the seeds of a deeper collaboration have been planted.
In a sport driven by innovation and partnerships, the Haas-Toyota alliance is shaping up as one of the most intriguing stories to watch.
