Haas F1 Team to Rebrand as TGR Haas F1 Team in 2026 with Toyota Title Sponsorship

Haas is set to undergo a significant transformation in 2026, officially renaming itself TGR Haas F1 Team. This rebrand signals a major deepening of its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), Toyota's motorsport division, which initially began with a multi-year technical agreement in October 2024. This marks Toyota's first direct brand presence in F1 since its departure in 2009, highlighting a renewed commitment from the Japanese manufacturer to the sport through a comprehensive collaboration.

Why it matters:

• This title sponsorship goes beyond a simple name change; it represents a comprehensive strategic alliance. For Haas, it brings robust technical support, financial investment, and a proven development pipeline from a major automotive giant. For Toyota, it's a strategic reentry into F1, leveraging an existing team to develop talent and technology without the enormous costs of a full factory effort, aligning with its 'People, Product, Pipeline' philosophy.
• The move could significantly elevate Haas's competitiveness. Access to Toyota's engineering expertise and resources, along with a dedicated driver development program, could transform the team from a perennial backmarker into a more consistent midfield contender or even a front-runner, injecting new competition into the grid.

The Details:

• Official Rebranding: From 2026, Haas will be officially entered as the TGR Haas F1 Team, reflecting a strengthened title sponsorship with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
• Expanded Partnership: The new agreement is the most substantial step in the relationship that began with a multi-year technical agreement signed in October 2024.
• Toyota's Return: This marks the first time a Toyota brand has been directly attached to an F1 entry since the manufacturer's abrupt exit from the championship in 2009.
• Team Principal's Vision: Team principal Ayao Komatsu emphasized the deep integration, noting the successful Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program and the behind-the-scenes development, including the installation of a new simulator at their Banbury facility for 2026.
• Personnel Development: Komatsu highlighted shared personnel development efforts, which have "benefited us greatly," and the growing driver pathway, which will be rebranded as the TGR Haas Driver Development Program from 2026.
• Comprehensive Collaboration: Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has been closely integrated with Haas through a wide-ranging program aimed at developing drivers, engineers, and mechanics under a shared 'People, Product, Pipeline' philosophy.
• 2025 TPC Program: The collaboration already delivered the team's first full Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program in 2025, spanning 14 days with the Haas VF-23 at circuits like Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Fuji Speedway, Imola, and Mugello.
• Japanese Driver Involvement: Japanese drivers Ryo Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Sho Tsuboi, and Kamui Kobayashi all participated through their TGR affiliations, showcasing the driver development aspect.
• Akio Toyoda's Influence: Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda, a key architect of the alliance, expressed confidence in the project's long-term direction, stating, "Toyota has finally begun to move – really move."
• Livery Reveal and Testing: The TGR Haas F1 Team will unveil its VF-26 livery online on January 23, followed by a five-day private test in Barcelona from January 26–30, before official Bahrain tests in February.

What's next:

The rebrand and enhanced partnership signify a pivotal moment for Haas, positioning the team for a potentially more competitive future. The integration of Toyota's resources, particularly in driver and technical development, suggests a long-term strategy to build a stronger, more sustainable presence in Formula 1. The performance of the VF-26 and the effectiveness of the TGR Haas Driver Development Program will be closely watched as the team aims to climb the grid and realize the full potential of this ambitious collaboration.