"Fantastic" that the Haas-Toyota partnership is intensifying - Ocon
"I truly enjoy collaborating with Toyota."
Esteban Ocon expresses that Haas' growing partnership with Toyota is "fantastic news" for the team, following the American organization’s announcement that it will compete as TGR Haas F1 Team starting in 2026—an indication that the Japanese automaker is moving closer to full-scale involvement in Formula 1.
Haas and TGR (Toyota Gazoo Racing) are already engaged in a technical partnership, with Toyota funding and staffing a 14-day TPC program this year that utilizes the 2023 Haas cars and allows Japanese junior drivers to take turns in the vehicle.
Toyota engineers are also aiding in the development of Haas’ new Banbury wind tunnel. The formalization of the new title partnership with Toyota, as MoneyGram exits, marks a significant escalation in their collaboration. The Ferrari-powered Haas for 2026 is set to be unveiled online on January 23, prior to the first Barcelona test.
Ocon noted that this cooperation has already changed the team's environment. "That’s excellent news," he remarked on Thursday when asked about Toyota’s title sponsorship agreement.
"I truly enjoy working with Toyota—they treat us with immense respect, have ambitious goals, and a genuine passion for racing. Toyota is fundamentally centered around cars. When we were in Japan, they took us to a gravel track—the most unbelievable gravel track I’ve ever experienced—and I had the opportunity to test a WRC car at Goodwood. Honestly, collaborating with Toyota has been amazing."
The French driver also shared his immediate post-race plans. After the chequered flag falls in Abu Dhabi, he and Oliver Bearman will head straight to Maranello. "Oliver and I will fly to Maranello right after the race concludes to test the car for next season," Ocon stated.
He clarified that team principal Ayao Komatsu intentionally kept both race drivers out of 2026 preparations until the season finale was completed. "Ayo wanted us to focus solely on this season," Ocon explained. "In-depth work will commence only after testing in Abu Dhabi."
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