The Formula 1 news Cycle has been relatively flat recently. Storylines that should have been declared dead have instead been intubated and kept alive on the social media ventilator.
However, blessed relief has finally come in the form of a shock union between Toyota and Haas, with the Japanese corporation once again dipping its toe in the F1 pond.
Where’s the fire?
To qualify this as a surprise would be an understatement. Even more so when you consider the arrangement would kick in at this week’s US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Like a bride walking down the aisle with a conspicuous lump, this all seems a little hasty.
Revisiting old relationships
The last time the Japanese car manufacturer got involved in F1, its financial spending was inversely proportional to its results. Following the 2008 financial crisis, Toyota exited stage left like all the other manufacturers with little to nothing to show for the money-pit adventure.
However, Toyota shareholders will be happy to hear that this time round, there is the equivalent of a “prenup.” The F1 budget cap should act as a limiter when they decide to go “all in” at some point in the future.
No father of the bride?
The whole press conference proceeding was also missing someone you would expect to be on the mic. The proud owner and namesake of Haas F1 – Gene! Where was he?
A rhetorical question, of course. I suspect Mr. Haas was on the phone with Maranello, trying to explain how this was all going to work. It’s difficult to understand how Ferrari would be relaxed about supplying engines and associated components to a team that will have another manufacturer embedded in its structure.
Best Man’s speech
Meanwhile, it was left to Team principal Ayao Komatsu to do the honours here and spin the story. Apparently, in his own words, "They (Toyota Gazoo Racing) are looking for the latest F1 know-how…”.
A kind of the bride's not pregnant, nooo it’s just a spot of water retention… Talk of the team being bought out in the future is being played down, but...this has to be the most transparent F1 smoke-and-mirrors story of the year.
Jilted lover
We should also spare a thought for Guenther Steiner here. After all, it was he who persuaded Gene that F1 was a good idea.
While the Italian/American may have drawn much attention to himself, it also trickled down to the team. Haas F1 garnered significant media exposure over his driver rants despite the team being irrelevant in competition terms.
Yes, the venture may have been hemorrhaging money, but look at it now. There’s a big dowry in the offing here. Guenther did Gene a solid!
Match made in heaven
The marriage agreement is perfect for Toyota and Haas. Jumping in full Tonto is not the Japanese way of doing things. The deal allows them to test the water, get up to speed and avoid some of the hurt from their previous venture.
From Gene’s side, he no longer needs to put his hand in his pocket so often. The deal's structure means Toyota will pay for some parts directly. It also means that technically, they have ownership of them too, here that Dallara and Ferrari?
Naming the baby
There is little doubt that this arrangement will turn into a full-blown Toyota team or, at minimum, a Sauber/Alfa Romeo-type arrangement. The only question is what it will be called.
Toyota makes excellent cars but not really the sporting type that justifies F1 heritage. However, they do have one brand that needs a personality bypass and would be the perfect platform: Lexus!
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