TOYOTA GAZOO Racing
In a move signifying a further strengthening of the relationship between the two brands, first announced in November 2024, Haas F1 Team was officially titled TGR Haas F1 Team for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship – with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) – the motorsport competition and research and development division of Toyota Motor Corporation, assuming title partnership rights with the American Formula 1 team.
Toyota enjoys a rich and storied history in motorsport dating back more than 60 years, while it’s current-day efforts, through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, include front-running, championship-winning entries in the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship.
Having entered a multi-year technical partnership together in October 2024, this title partnership deal is a further bonding of the core objectives of the relationship between Haas F1 Team and TGR – focusing on ‘People, Product, Pipeline’, which includes the development of essential human resources such as drivers, engineers and mechanics to build a sustainable motorsports industry and culture.
One key element of the existing partnership between the two companies was visibly demonstrated in the execution of the team’s first fully-fledged TPC program (Testing of Previous Car) throughout the 2025 season, now known as the ‘TGR Haas Driver Development Program’ for 2026.
“It’s naturally a privilege to deepen our relationship with TGR through this new title partnership agreement,” stated Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of Haas F1 Team. “Our working relationship to-date has been everything we hoped it would be. It’s been evidenced through our successful TPC running this season but there’s been so much more going on behind the scenes too – including the development and installation of the simulator at our Banbury facility for later this year. The cultivation of personnel, all working collaboratively between Haas F1 Team and TGR, has benefited us greatly and that’s something that will only increase as our partnership matures. We’re excited to further grow with the likes of our driver program too, and it’s been encouraging to see the depth of talent TGR is backing in that process.”
“Throughout our challenges in 2025, I witnessed young TGR drivers and engineers begin to believe in their own potential and set their sights on even greater dreams,” commented Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. “Seeing this transformation moved me deeply. I can say this with confidence, Toyota has finally begun to move – really move. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for standing alongside our young members, believing in their potential, and facing the future with the same passion and perspective.
“By taking our partnership with Haas another step forward, TGR’s ‘People, Product, Pipeline’ mantra – will accelerate in a way we have never seen before. The time has come for the next generation to take their first steps toward the world stage. Together with Gene Haas, Ayao, and everyone at TGR Haas F1 Team, we will build both a culture and a team for the future. Toyota is now truly on the move.”