Toyota are infamous for one of the most spectacular failures for a manufacturer in Formula 1. Once they exited the sport in 2009, there have never been any reports linking them back. That is, until now. With Formula 1 getting new engines in 2026, rumours are that Toyota are looking to make a comeback. McLaren have already picked up one of their drivers to partner Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Long-term partnership
McLaren and Toyota have had a long partnership with each other. McLaren have publicized their new Formula 1 wind tunnel. Before this, however, they used a wind tunnel in Cologne owned by Toyota.
New Beginnings
However, against expectations, their relationship is set to get stronger. Akio Toyoda, the Chairman of Toyota, was present at the Japanese GP with McLaren. Moreover, they have also announced Ryo Hirakawa as one of their reserve drivers for 2024.
Ryo is one of the factor drivers for Toyota. He will now pair up alongside the likes of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on McLaren’s roster of drivers. His selection seems like a left-field move since he was not on the Formula 1 radar.
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McLaren and Toyota Play It Down
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said, “There was the element of, having started a driver development programme, there’s quite a lot of people knocking on the door.”
“We actively chase talents, but we also have interest from other talents to join the programme, which is good. It shows that we have credibility from this point of view.”
Kazuki Nakajima, Toyota Gazoo Racing Advisor, was asked about Toyota’s interest in Formula 1 after this deal with McLaren. He said, “For now, it’s clearly no. This deal is really purely focusing on a driver, supporting a driver’s dream.”
“At the moment, it really has nothing to do with that. I know, of course, you can think about it, and there are a lot of rumours. But I can clearly say that it’s no, and nothing to do with it. For the future, we never know.”
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Will Toyota return to Formula 1 with McLaren after being in the wilderness for so long? Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will need a good chassis and engine to stay with McLaren.
