Kevin Magnussen's rival in the Haas garage should not expect to have an easier start to 2025. This reveals part of the team's agreement with Toyota.
Haas' new collaboration with Toyota could have significant consequences for the two drivers who will replace Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg in 2025.
The agreement between Haas and Toyota contains a controversial clause that gives Toyota the right to veto the team's choice of drivers in the future. Something can put extra pressure on the new coaches, Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, who are already facing a challenging season.
Toyota, which last participated in Formula 1 as a factory team until 2009, is now making a comeback in the sport – not as an independent team, but as a technical partner with Haas.
After being absent for 15 years, Toyota is back with a focus on providing technical support and resources to the American team.
That's what F1 Oversteer writes.
Haas' cars will henceforth be adorned with Toyota branding, which signals a close collaboration that can be of great importance to both parties.
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Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has reportedly worked hard and long to make the contact with Toyota that was announced in October.
The agreement with Toyota brings advanced technology and expertise to Haas, which means, among other things, that the team gets access to Toyota's wind tunnel in Cologne, Germany.
But the collaboration also means that Toyota has a direct influence on key decisions of the Haas management. Blue. do the Japanese have something to say when it comes to kore.
An important part of Toyota's strategy is to promote Japanese motorsport in Formula 1. It appears that they wish to place a Toyota-backed Japanese choir in the sport. Something that could lead to changes in Haas' choir lineup in the long term.
Right now, however, there is a long way to go for the Honda-backed Yuki Tsunoda, who remains Japan's only Formula 1 driver at the moment.
Oliver Bearman, who has previously been associated with the Ferrari Driver Academy, and Esteban Ocon, who comes from Alpine, must now deliver results in their first season at Haas. If Toyota doesn't have to interfere too much.
Toyota isn't the only car brand Haas has talked to. Back in May 2023, the team confirmed that they are facing another huge name in the sport. Read more about it here .
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