Haas Secures Title Partnership with Toyota for 2026 F1 Season
Haas F1 Team has announced a major title partnership with Toyota for the 2026 Formula 1 season, rebranding as TGR Haas F1 Team. This expands their existing technical collaboration, allowing Toyota to provide its personnel with crucial F1 experience and offering Haas significant technical and financial backing. The deal aims to accelerate talent development and elevate the team's competitiveness under new regulations, with the 2026 car livery reveal set for January 23rd.
Haas has announced a significant title partnership with Toyota for the 2026 F1 World Championship, officially rebranding the team as TGR Haas F1 Team. This move deepens the alliance between the American F1 outfit and the Japanese automotive giant, building on a technical partnership established in October 2024.
Why it matters:
This expanded partnership not only brings a major automotive brand into a prominent F1 role but also provides Toyota with invaluable F1 experience for its personnel without committing to a full works team entry. For Haas, securing a title partner of Toyota's stature offers significant financial backing and technical collaboration, crucial for a team aiming to climb the grid and consistently compete at a higher level, especially under new 2026 regulations.
The details:
- New Team Name: The team will officially be known as TGR Haas F1 Team, reflecting Toyota Gazoo Racing's (TGR) direct involvement.
- Technical Partnership Evolution: This title sponsorship is an extension of the technical partnership formed in October 2024.
- Personnel Development: Toyota will intensify its commitment to providing its engineers, mechanics, and drivers with essential F1 experience.
- Toyota will specifically take over the branding of Haas' Testing of a Previous Car (TPC) program, offering practical, on-track experience.
- Infrastructure Investment: The collaboration has already seen significant developments, including the installation of a new simulator at Haas' Banbury facility, slated for use in 2026.
- Driver Program: The partnership aims to foster talent through a joint driver program, leveraging Toyota's backing for up-and-coming drivers.
- Leadership Comments:
- Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu emphasized the privilege of deepening ties with TGR, highlighting the successful TPC program and behind-the-scenes collaborations.
- Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda stated the partnership will accelerate TGR's 'People, Product, Pipeline' mantra, focusing on building a culture and team for the future and seeing the next generation step onto the world stage.
- Car Livery: Toyota branding is expected to be heavily featured on the team's 2026 car, with an online livery reveal scheduled for January 23rd.
- Replaces MoneyGram: Toyota takes over from MoneyGram, which served as Haas' title partner for the past three and a half years.
What's next:
The full impact of this strengthened partnership will become clearer with the unveiling of the 2026 car and its performance under the new regulations. This collaboration positions Haas with robust technical support and financial stability, potentially enabling them to make a significant leap forward in competitiveness. The focus on developing personnel and drivers within this framework also suggests a long-term vision for both organizations, aiming to cultivate future talent for F1.