Is Toyota involved in F1?
No. Toyota is not currently involved in Formula 1 as a constructor or engine supplier. The company has not announced plans to re-enter F1, and its current motorsport focus lies elsewhere.
To understand the question in context, it helps to review Toyota’s history in F1, what the company is doing in motorsport today, and what would be required for a possible return to the sport in the future.
Historical footprint in Formula 1
Key milestones from Toyota’s F1 era illustrate the extent of their involvement before winding down the project.
- Entered F1 as the Toyota F1 Team in 2002, basing operations in Europe to compete as a full constructor.
- Invested in development through the mid-2000s, earning several podium finishes but never securing a Formula 1 race win.
- Maintained a competitive presence for several seasons while navigating the high costs and competitive pressure of the sport.
- Concluded the F1 program after the 2009 season and redirected resources toward other motorsport programs via Toyota Gazoo Racing (notably in endurance racing and rally).
These milestones show that Toyota’s F1 venture was a substantial effort that delivered podiums but not a race victory, ultimately giving way to a strategic pivot toward other disciplines within Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Current status and potential for a future return
Today, Toyota has no active Formula 1 program. The company continues to run Toyota Gazoo Racing programs in endurance racing, rally, and other series, while keeping its options open for future opportunities in Formula 1 only if a viable business case emerges.
Interest in a comeback has appeared in media discussions from time to time, but there has been no official announcement. Any re-entry would require substantial investment, a dedicated power unit partnership or a full factory operation, and alignment with F1’s evolving technical and environmental rules ahead of the 2026 regulations cycle.
Possible paths for a return could include rejoining as a full constructor with its own power unit or entering as an engine supplier. Each route would demand regulatory approvals, a long ramp-up, and a multi-year commitment aligned with the sport’s commercial and technical framework.
Current focus: Toyota's broader motorsport strategy
Endurance racing and Le Mans
Under Toyota Gazoo Racing, the company has pursued a highly successful program in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, emphasizing hybrid technology, efficiency, and reliability in a globally watched arena.
Rally and cross-country programs
Beyond endurance, Toyota competes in rallying and related global events, leveraging hybrid performance and advanced engineering to strengthen brand technology transfer to road cars and demonstrate innovation across disciplines.
Summary
Toyota is not involved in Formula 1 at present, and there is no confirmed plan for a 2020s return. The brand remains deeply engaged in other top-tier motorsport platforms through Toyota Gazoo Racing, with any potential F1 comeback contingent on strategic, financial, and regulatory considerations in the ever-evolving sport.
Will Toyota rejoin the F1?
And will even be on the grid at the next race sort of branding from Toyota's motorsport competition arm Toyota Gazu Racing will adorn the two has cars for the remainder of 2024.
Does Toyota still do F1?
On 11 October 2024, Haas F1 Team announced a technical partnership with Toyota that sees the team receive design, technical and manufacturing services from Toyota Gazoo Racing, while Ferrari would continue to provide power units and other components.
Why is BMW no longer in F1?
BMW is not in F1 because it withdrew in 2009 due to the global financial crisis, lack of on-track success, and frustration with regulations that didn't align with road car technology. The company has since stated that it is not interested in returning for the new 2026 regulations, preferring other motorsports like the World Endurance Championship (WEC) because their technologies are more relevant to BMW's production vehicles.
Reasons for leaving F1
- Global Financial Crisis: BMW pulled out of F1 in 2009 amid the global recession, which forced significant cost-cutting across the company.
- Lack of Success: The team's performance dropped significantly in the 2009 season, particularly after the aerodynamic rule changes, and the high annual expenditure couldn't be justified when the team was not consistently competitive.
- Regulatory and Technical Differences: BMW felt that the highly specialized technology developed in F1 was not directly transferable to its road cars, a view that contributed to its decision to leave.
Current stance on F1
- Focus on Other Series: BMW is actively involved in other motorsports, such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA, because these series have technology that is more directly relevant to its production vehicle development.
- No Interest in 2026 Return: BMW has publicly stated it has no interest in joining F1 for the 2026 season, despite the new regulations designed to attract manufacturers.
- Technology Transfer: The company believes that the engineering challenges in endurance racing, such as hybrid systems and durability, provide a more direct and practical path for learning and improving its road cars compared to F1.
Why is Haas sponsored by Toyota?
“To have a world leader in the automotive sector support and work alongside our organization, while seeking to develop and accelerate their own technical and engineering expertise – it's simply a partnership with obvious benefits on both sides.
