Peter Windsor names the driver Haas could sign for 2026 after agreeing Toyota deal

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Toyota have become technical partners of the Haas Formula 1 team. The return of the Japanese manufacturer has sparked great excitement, even if they themselves have been eager to play it down.

Their leaders would point out that their involvement remains limited. Haas will benefit from their resources – both in terms of engineers and facilities – and Toyota will be able to run their young drivers in F1 cars.

Under the name Toyota Gazoo Racing, they currently compete in both the World Endurance Championship and World Rally Championship. But they will have a better chance of attracting elite talent now that they can offer F1 outings.

Under the regulations, teams are allowed to run drivers in machinery that is at least two years old. They can also run their newest cars during official test sessions, Pirelli tyre tests or filming days.

Toyota operated as a works F1 team between 2002 and 2009, scoring 13 podiums. Their drivers included Ralf Schumacher, Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli.

If both parties are satisfied with the early results of the arrangement, then Toyota may scale up their role. It’s worth noting that Haas’ engine deal with Ferrari runs out at the end of 2028.

Peter Windsor reckons Haas ‘may well’ sign Yuki Tsunoda with Toyota on board

Speaking during a live stream on his YouTube channel, F1 journalist and former team member Peter Windsor floated a possible driver market move for Haas in the Toyota era. He believes Yuki Tsunoda is now a realistic candidate.

Tsunoda is the only Japanese driver on the grid, having joined the field in 2021 with the Red Bull junior team. Earlier this year, they triggered their option to keep him for 2025.

His ties to Honda, Red Bull’s engine suppliers, helped to secure him the seat. Toyota may relish the opportunity to snatch a driver from their major rivals.

Honda will part with Red Bull in 2026 and instead supply Aston Martin. That puts Tsunoda’s F1 future in doubt, unless Lawrence Stroll wants to take him on.

“I think Toyota would want to bring up their own guys, and have them potentially in the car one day and do it that way,” Windsor said. “It may well be that they’ll go with Yuki for 2026. Who knows?”

Haas could take on new name after linking up with Toyota

Tsunoda has been strongly linked to Aston Martin but a deal doesn’t appear straightforward. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is under contract until the end of 2026, partnered by Stroll’s son Lance.

Theoretically, he could join as a reserve driver at first and then take over once Alonso retires. But Aston Martin are determined to sign Max Verstappen, reuniting him with Adrian Newey, so he won’t necessarily be first choice.

As an alternative, Haas could now appeal. With the backing of Toyota and Ferrari, their upward mobility has increased.

Toyota could become Haas’ title sponsors eventually, elevating the prestige of the American team. Tsunoda would also be able to work his compatriot Ayao Komatsu, who has impressed since replacing Guenther Steiner.