Haas Toyota Partnership: Ralf Schumacher Sees Signs in Potential Sale
Ralf Schumacher has raised eyebrows with his bold claim that the Haas Toyota Partnership may signal that the American Formula 1 team is up for sale. The new Haas Toyota technical collaboration, which kicks off at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, marks Toyota’s return to the F1 scene since 2009, and Schumacher suggests it could be the first step in a potential takeover.
Haas Toyota Partnership: A Multi-Year Deal With Big Implications
On Friday, Haas and Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR), the Japanese automaker’s motorsport division, announced a multi-year partnership. The Haas Toyota Partnership will see Toyota Gazoo Racing support Haas with design, technical expertise, and manufacturing resources, including access to their cutting-edge wind tunnel and simulator technology. In return, Haas will allow Toyota personnel to participate in key areas like aerodynamic development and provide access to drivers, engineers, and mechanics for testing activities. 
This Haas Toyota Partnership has sparked speculation, with some—like Schumacher—seeing it as more than just a technical alliance. While Toyota has denied any plans to re-enter Formula 1 as a team or engine supplier, the involvement of their personnel in Haas’ operations suggests deeper intentions.
Ralf Schumacher’s Take: A Potential Buyout on the Horizon?
Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver and now a prominent pundit, believes this Haas Toyota Partnership might be the start of a Toyota takeover of Haas. He sees Toyota’s involvement as a strategic move to acquire the knowledge and experience needed to re-establish a presence in Formula 1.
“For me, the partnership with Toyota is a clear sign that Haas is for sale,” Schumacher told SPORT1. He added that while Toyota may not yet be announcing plans to run their own team, they are gaining invaluable expertise through their collaboration with Haas.
Schumacher highlighted Toyota’s historical approach to engineering in F1, where personnel would rotate between departments rather than specialize. “In Formula 1, you need experts in every field, not just people who know a little about everything,” he said, stressing that Toyota must adjust their philosophy to succeed in today’s F1.
What Toyota Gains From Haas
The Haas Toyota Partnership allows Toyota to immerse itself in the fast-paced world of F1 without the immediate pressure of running a team or developing a power unit. Their collaboration with Haas gives them direct exposure to F1’s inner workings, while Haas benefits from Toyota’s world-class technical resources and manufacturing capabilities. According to Toyota Gazoo Racing’s general manager of motorsport engineering, Masaya Kaji, there are no immediate plans for Toyota to become an engine supplier or team owner.
“We have no plan to enter power unit supply, at this moment,” Kaji said. “Actually, we have no plan to have a team in F1. At this moment, we have the best option to collaborate with Haas.”
The Long-Term View: Is Haas Preparing for a Sale?
Despite Toyota’s public statements, Ralf Schumacher remains unconvinced that this is where the Haas Toyota Partnership ends. He believes the deal could evolve into something much bigger, particularly as Toyota gains a foothold in the sport through Haas.
Schumacher pointed out that Toyota has the financial resources to make a serious investment in Formula 1, and acquiring an established team like Haas would be a faster route to returning to the grid than starting from scratch.
As the Haas Toyota Partnership develops over the coming years, the big question will be whether Haas remains independent or if Toyota’s involvement signals the beginning of a new era for the team—and possibly, the re-entry of a global giant into Formula 1.
