Haas undergo major name change for 2026 F1 season

Haas has confirmed a new title sponsor for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The American outfit has strengthened its ties with Toyota Gazoo Racing and will officially be known as the TGR Haas F1 team. TGR is the motorsport competition and research and development division of Toyota Motor Corporation.

After entering a multi-year technical partnership in October, 2024, Haas has described it new title partnership as "a further bonding of the core objectives of the relationship" between the two parties.

One of the key elements of the existing partnership between the two companies was demonstrated with the team’s first fully-fledged TPC program (Testing of Previous Car) over the past year. From next year, it will be known as the ‘TGR Haas Driver Development Program'.

This year’s TPC running was conducted over 14 days, utilising the Haas VF-23, with Japanese racers Ryō Hirakawa, Ritomo Miyata, Sho Tsuboi and Kamui Kobayashi all at the wheel courtesy of their TGR associations.

"It’s naturally a privilege to deepen our relationship with TGR through this new title partnership agreement," stated team principal Ayao Komatsu.

"Our working relationship to date has been everything we hoped it would be. It’s been evidenced through our successful TPC running this season, but there’s been so much more going on behind the scenes, too, including the development and installation of the simulator at our Banbury facility for 2026.

"The cultivation of personnel, all working collaboratively between Haas F1 Team and TGR, has benefited us greatly, and that’s something that will only increase as our partnership matures.

"We’re excited to further grow with the likes of our driver program too, and it’s been encouraging to see the depth of talent TGR is backing in that process.”

Expressing his delight with the deal, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman Akio Toyoda said: “Throughout our challenges in the 2025 season, I witnessed young TGR drivers and engineers begin to believe in their own potential and set their sights on even greater dreams. Seeing this transformation moved me deeply.

"And today, I can say this with confidence, Toyota has finally begun to move – really move.

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for standing alongside our young members, believing in their potential, and facing the future with the same passion and perspective.

"By taking our partnership with Haas another step forward next year, TGR’s ‘People, Product, Pipeline’ mantra will accelerate in a way we have never seen before.

"The time has come for the next generation to take their first steps toward the world stage.

"Together with Gene, Ayao, and everyone at TGR Haas F1 Team, we will build both a culture and a team for the future. Toyota is now truly on the move.”

The team will officially unveil its VF-26 livery online on Friday, January 23, before heading to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the initial five-day private test.