Toyota are returning to Formula 1 for the first time since 2009 after signing a technical partnership with the Haas F1 Team that begins immediately.

The Japanese manufacturer spent eight seasons in Formula 1 as a works team and engine supplier, scoring 13 podiums and achieving a best finish of fourth in the constructors’ championship.

As part of the multi-year agreement, Haas and Toyota – through their motorsport and R&D division Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) – will “share expertise and knowledge, as well as resources”.

The deal will run alongside their arrangement with Ferrari, whom Haas have worked with since they entered the sport in 2016.

GR will provide design, technical and manufacturing services to Haas, while Haas will offer technical expertise and commercial benefits in return.

The aim is for Haas to improve their development and competitive standing within the sport with Toyota developing their own knowledge and skills through F1.

“I’m hugely excited that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have come together to enter into this technical partnership,” said Haas boss Ayao Komatsu.

“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.

“The ability to tap into the resources and knowledge base available at Toyota Gazoo Racing, while benefiting from their technical and manufacturing processes, will be instrumental in our own development and our clear desire to further increase our competitiveness in Formula 1.

“In return we offer a platform for Toyota Gazoo Racing to fully utilize and subsequently advance their in-house engineering capabilities.

“I’m naturally pleased that we’ve had the support of the likes of Formula 1 and our long-term partner, Scuderia Ferrari – who we announced our further continuation with earlier in the season, in the formation of this new technical partnership – designed to achieve continued success in our Formula 1 endeavours.

“Together with Gene Haas, I’d specifically like to thank Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1) and Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari) on that front, and with Toyota I’d like to thank Akio Toyoda (Chairman – Toyota Motor Corporation), Tomoya Takahashi (President – Gazoo Racing Company) and Masaya Kaji (Project Manager – Gazoo Racing Company).

“Everyone at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is looking forward to the collaborative results of this new relationship, we can’t wait to get started and fulfil our combined ambitions.”

President of Gazoo Racing Company Tomoya Takahashi added: “We are pleased to announce that MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing have concluded a basic agreement to enter a technical partnership such as Haas vehicle development.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Gene Haas, Mr. Ayao Komatsu, Mr. Stefano Domenicali (CEO – Formula 1), Mr. Fred Vasseur (Team Principal – Scuderia Ferrari), and all our existing partners of the team for their exceptional cooperation and understanding in this collaboration.

“By competing alongside MoneyGram Haas F1 Team at the pinnacle of motorsports, we aim to cultivate drivers, engineers, and mechanics while strengthening the capabilities of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing, and we desire to contribute to motorsports and the automotive industry.”

The deal was announced at Toyota-owned Fuji International Speedway on Friday and will see Toyota Gazoo Racing branding visible on Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas cars starting from next weekend’s United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Haas are currently seventh in the constructors’ championship, just three points adrift of RB in the fight for P6.

“Checo again has had a horrible weekend,” Horner said. “Nothing has gone right for him this weekend. He knows Formula 1 is a results-based business and inevitably when you are not delivering, the spotlight is firmly on you.

“When anyone is underperforming, of course there is always going to be scrutiny on that. As a team we need to have both cars scoring points. That is the nature of Formula 1.

2025 Haas driver Ollie Bearman will replace Kevin Magnussen at the team for the first day of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix weekend, after Magnussen reported feeling unwell.

With the Sprint format in play in Brazil this weekend, teams are afforded just one hour of practice before competitive action begins with Friday afternoon’s Sprint Qualifying session.

But Magnussen will be forced to miss these sessions, after reporting feeling sick – with the team calling on reserve Bearman to drive in his place, before taking a view on Magnussen’s ability to compete for the rest of the weekend.

Bearman has already raced for Haas once this season, competing for the team at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Magnussen served a one-race ban for exceeding 12 penalty points within a 12-month period.

Bearman has also raced once for Ferrari this year, replacing an ill Carlos Sainz in Saudi Arabia, while he appeared for the Scuderia in Free Practice 1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix last weekend, where he was caught up in a dramatic on-track collision with the Williams of Alex Albon.

Bearman will compete full-time for Haas in 2025, when he’s partnered with Esteban Ocon at the team – with Nico Hulkenberg departing for Sauber, while it appears that Magnussen’s time in the sport is reaching an end.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso was forced to miss his Thursday media duties for a second consecutive week in Sao Paulo, after he received treatment in Europe for an intestinal infection.

Max Verstappen is set to face a five-place grid drop at the upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Red Bull elected to change his power unit for the sixth time this season.

After the Dutchman struggled for pace last time out in Mexico, he will be hoping to take a step forward and close the gap to rivals Ferrari and McLaren with a new internal combustion engine (ICE) this weekend.

With just four rounds remaining, the Brazilian circuit could offer the best overtaking opportunities to limit the damage brought about by the grid penalty, which will only affect the Grand Prix as opposed to the Sprint.

Each season, drivers are permitted to use four internal combustion engines – Verstappen exceeded this allocation previously in Belgium, where he served a 10-place grid penalty. As this is his second infringement, the consequence is a five-place drop.

A document published by the FIA also confirmed that the reigning world champion will use a new exhaust system, but will not incur a penalty for this as he is still within the allocation of eight.

The FIA stated: "The internal combustion engine used by Max Verstappen will be the sixth (6th) of the four (4) new internal combustion engines allowed for the 2024 Championship season and this is not in conformity with Article 28.2 of the 2024 Formula One Sporting Regulations."

In addition, his Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez is racing with a new chassis this weekend as they hope to reclaim P2 in the constructors' standings – they are currently 25 points behind Ferrari.

Verstappen will have a chance to extend his record of winning every Sprint in 2024 before the penalty is enforced in the Grand Prix, which could help him extend his lead over Lando Norris in the drivers' championship.

Getting on top of their inconsistent pace will be a priority for Red Bull this weekend, especially with McLaren bringing further upgrades to their rear wing as they target their first constructors' title since 1998.