Despite its new technical partnership with Haas, Toyota has confirmed that it has "no plans" to re-enter Formula 1 as a team or build its own power unit.
Masaya Kaji, director of Toyota Gazoo Racing, made it clear that while Toyota will support Haas, the Japanese carmaker is not preparing for a full return to F1. "We have no plans to have a team. Nor are we planning to offer the supply of a power unit at this time," he said.
Speculation of Toyota's return was fuelled by the recent announcement of its new operational relationship with Haas. Even Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, was present at the event, adding to the intrigue.
However, Toyoda was quick to dispel rumours: "I don't want the headlines to be 'Toyota is finally returning to F1'. Instead, we would like to see headlines that inspire Japanese children to dream of the possibility that they too could one day drive the fastest cars in the world."
Toyoda also reflected on his decision to pull the company out of F1 in 2009. "I think deep down, this guy always regretted that because of our withdrawal from Formula 1, young Japanese drivers were deprived of an opportunity," the 68-year-old said.
Although Ferrari will continue to supply Haas with engines and gearboxes, Toyota's role in the partnership will provide the small American team access to Toyota's Cologne F1 facilities, including component manufacturing, simulators, and personnel support for the testing of older Haas F1 cars. Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu stressed that the Ferrari-Haas partnership remains the foundation of the team's operations.
Komatsu also explained, "Ferrari sent certain requirements where I had to guarantee them this, this and this. But that's what we were going to do anyway."
Despite the partnership, Kaji emphasized that Toyota is not planning to establish its own F1 team, adding, "We have spoken to several teams and we have a relationship with McLaren, but, in reality, Haas and Komatsu-san are the best partners because our scope is exactly the same and we can strengthen the team together."
Meanwhile, former Toyota F1 driver Ralf Schumacher speculated on Haas' future, telling Sport1: "For me, the partnership with Toyota is a clear sign that Haas is for sale."
Schumacher added, "This could be the next step towards a big team. Formula 1 has become a cash cow, and Toyota's image hasn't been particularly good recently."
