Haas and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have teamed up to advance motorsport and allow children to chase their dreams of driving the world's fastest cars. Akio Toyoda shares his intent behind the decision.
Setting the stage for a starring role
When answering questions from reporters, Morizo again spoke openly about racing drivers and his first meeting with Team Principal Komatsu.
Last September, the Japanese Grand Prix returned to the country for the first time in 14 years. When you attended, Japanese F1 and Suzuka fans gave Morizo a very warm reception. Did their support have any influence on this decision?
Morizo
Walking around Suzuka, there were actually four of us—myself, Hirakawa, Kamui Kobayashi, and Kazuki Nakajima. But the crowd only called out Morizo’s name.
I turned to the other three and said, “What’s happening with you guys? I’m not even a racing driver.”
Then it occurred to me: the guys behind the wheel need to play more of a starring role, and I need to create the stage where they can do that.
It was the same when we went to the F1 venue. As you all know, I am the guy who pulled Toyota out of F1, so I honestly was not expecting to be greeted by such a welcoming atmosphere.
Since we don’t have a path to the world stage, that made me all the more eager to find a place where young people can learn how to pursue their dreams.
Then, this partnership came about. When we were at Suzuka, neither of us had the slightest inkling that we would be here doing something like this today.
Since Toyota’s involvement won’t be a full re-entry into F1, how do you plan to incorporate F1 technologies into production cars?
Morizo
I am a carmaker. Ever since I became president, I’ve always emphasized the same thing: let’s make ever-better cars. After 14 years leading the company, I have dealers telling me that, across Toyota’s full lineup, our products have turned into the kinds of cars they want to have in their showrooms.
I think our GR Company vehicles are the result of ever-better carmaking rooted in motorsports.
It’s not enough to just pave the way for drivers alone; motorsport also needs engineers to make cars, mechanics to support races, and various other staff.
Haas is, to put it one way, an extremely compact team. Despite its size, it continues to take on the big guys.
I felt that such a team would offer a tremendous learning environment, which is why I decided to take the first step.
Even so, this will no doubt take time. It takes time for people to grow and for the world to change.
To begin with, I hope that more people will show an interest in motorsports and respect for F1, the pinnacle of racing. We look forward to your continued support for many years to come.
Why do you believe that withdrawing from F1 (in 2009) was the right decision?
Morizo
I feel that, back then, Toyota was more focused on becoming a bigger company than making ever-better cars.
As the president, I decided that activities such as F1 didn’t really fit a company seeking to become larger by pursuing sales and profits.
Today, we have transformed into a company focused on making ever-better cars and motorsport-driven carmaking. We need the people who can make that happen.
Because we haven’t been involved in the sport (F1) for a long time, we may be starting from zero, or perhaps even worse, but I hope you will support Toyota’s commitment to putting people first.