Pursuing racing dreams: How Akio, former F1 participant, assists drivers 14 years post withdrawal
In the world of motorsports, there's a buzz surrounding Toyota and its potential return to Formula 1 (F1). Ryo Hirakawa, a Toyota-affiliated driver, has recently joined McLaren as a reserve driver, sparking speculation about the Japanese automaker's future in F1. However, Akio Toyoda, Toyota's President, has not made any direct comments linking this move to a return to F1 racing.
Hirakawa, who started kart racing at the age of 13 and joined Toyota's racing school at 15, has spent his entire driving career with Toyota-affiliated teams. His move to McLaren, a renowned F1 team, has surprised many, but it doesn't necessarily indicate an immediate return of Toyota to F1.
Toyota's last stint in F1 was in 2009, when it withdrew from the competition three days after the season's final round. Akio Toyoda, who made the decision to withdraw, has consistently stated that he does not think a return to F1 will happen while he is president.
However, Toyota has shown a gradual interest in returning to F1. Reports suggest a possible technical partnership with Haas, indicating a strategic and cautious approach rather than an immediate full return. Toyoda's recent public remarks and official communications focus more on other motorsport achievements and broader company priorities, without directly addressing the F1 involvement or Hirakawa’s new role at McLaren.
It's worth noting that Toyota has continued racing in motorsports after withdrawing from F1. The company has competed in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and the World Endurance Championship to improve hybrid technologies. Toyota returned to the World Rally Championship in 2017.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, a graduate of Honda's driver development program, is the only Japanese driver currently competing in F1. Kazuki Nakajima, who raced with a Toyota-engine F1 team in 2008 and 2009, is another notable Japanese driver with F1 experience.
In an interview at Suzuka Circuit, the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix venue, Akio Toyoda expressed his thoughts on racing as a platform for developing both cars and people. However, he has not publicly commented specifically on Toyota’s possible return to Formula 1 in connection with Ryo Hirakawa joining McLaren as a reserve driver.
As we wait for Toyota's next move in the world of F1, one thing is certain: Toyota's withdrawal from F1 in 2009 was regrettable from the perspective of cultivating a car culture, and its potential return could bring excitement and innovation to the sport.
[1] Source: Autocar, https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/toyota-open-formula-1-return-technical-partnership-haas [3] Source: Motorsport, https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/toyota-f1-return-haas-technical-partnership-2774117/ [5] Source: The Drive, https://www.thedrive.com/news/36020/toyota-says-it-would-consider-a-formula-1-return-but-not-with-a-full-factory-team
[1] Toyota's potential return to Formula 1 (F1) is a topic of discussion, especially considering Ryo Hirakawa's recent move to join McLaren as a reserve driver.
[3] Reports suggest a possible technical partnership between Toyota and Haas, indicating a strategic and cautious approach Towards a potential return to F1 racing.
