McLaren-Toyota partnership strengthens amid F1 comeback rumors

The recent Japanese Grand Prix weekend saw McLaren announce an expanded partnership with Toyota, fueling speculation that the Japanese manufacturer could be considering a Formula 1 comeback in the future.

McLaren confirms Toyota reserve driver signing

McLaren revealed that Toyota endurance racer Ryo Hirakawa will join their team as a reserve driver for the 2024 F1 season.

Hirakawa's signing comes on the back of McLaren's concluded use of Toyota's wind tunnel facility in Cologne, as the British team transitions fully to their new in-house wind tunnel.

According to McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, Hirakawa's recruitment is not just about the driver but is also an opportunity for greater collaboration between the two manufacturers.

Stella stated that McLaren is keen to "exchange information on performance" and driver development practices with Toyota. This hints at a deepening technical partnership.

Strong McLaren performance in Suzuka excites Toyota chairman

The announcement coincided with a standout showing from McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at Suzuka.

The pair delivered a remarkable double podium, with P2 and P3 finishes respectively, in front of watching Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda.

McLaren's impressive run this season, from scrapping for points to now battling regularly for podiums, is a marker of their rapid growth.

Toyota's presence and closer involvement could accelerate this progress.

Toyota-McLaren ties spark talk of F1 return

Toyota participated in Formula 1 from 2002 to 2009 but was unable to win a race, despite some strong showings.

The F1 landscape today is vastly different, with cost caps and booming popularity making it an attractive proposition once again.

The upcoming 2026 regulation changes are already luring other manufacturers like Ford and Audi. Could Toyota follow suit?

While Toyota Gazoo Racing VP Kazuki Nakajima has denied F1 plans for now, he didn't rule out future participation.

Stronger Toyota links with frontrunning teams like McLaren will allow the exchange of performance know-how and potentially reignite their interest in joining Formula 1.

With Andretti-Cadillac also pushing for an entry, the competition for grid spots is heating up.

McLaren's technical strides setting positive tone

An F1 comeback would likely see Toyota partner with an existing team, and McLaren's impressive recent technical strides make them an attractive candidate.

However, with negotiations still in the early stages, nothing is set in stone yet.

Either way, this boost in Toyota's involvement is a positive sign for McLaren's development.