Haas has partnered with Toyota in what has been described as a “multi-year” technical partnership. The deal will see Haas access Toyota’s former Formula One facility in Cologne, which currently houses the company’s World Endurance Championship programme. Toyota will also help the team develop and manufacture various parts, similar to Haas’ partnership with Ferrari. The goal of the partnership is to make Haas more competitive. Toyota branding will be added to the Haas car, but Toyota will not be Haas’ title sponsor, nor will Haas become a Toyota works team. There are no plans for Toyota to return to Formula One as an engine supplier.
Andretti’s plans to join Formula One remain unchanged despite Michael Andretti relinquishing ownership of the team. The team previously applied to join Formula One in 2026 but had its application denied by the sport, which has been hotly debated. Despite the rejection, the team is pushing forward, working tirelessly in its new Silverstone-based facility to develop components for the 2026 car and has been recruiting staff. They have been using a wind tunnel in Cologne and testing nose cones and wishbone suspension at the FIA-approved crash testing facility in Cranfield. The team hopes to have chassis moulds completed before January.
The FIA’s Prize Gala will go ahead in December as originally planned, despite travel advisories due to the Marburg virus in Rwanda. The Rwanda Ministry of Health reported the first confirmed case in September. More than 50 cases have since been reported, with more than 10 confirmed deaths. Marburg virus disease can cause internal bleeding, similar to the Ebola virus, causing symptoms such as rash and bruising. The disease has a fatality rate of between 24% and 88%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There’s currently no vaccine or antiviral treatments against it. Although WHO has warned travellers, it has not supported a travel ban to the region, saying the risk of an outbreak is “low at the global level”. The FIA is continuing to monitor the situation.
The FIA has appointed two new senior management figures. The first is Alberto Villarreal, who will take the role of general manager, overseeing the operational and financial performance of the FIA. He has extensive experience in the automotive industry, having previously worked for Goodyear. Alessandra Malhame has also joined the FIA as senior HR director. She has worked with a variety of companies, including Honeywell and Bristol Myers Squibb, and will oversee the FIA’s HR operations.
Everyone eagerly awaiting a resume in on-track action will be happy to know that the Formula One season resumes this weekend. Next is the United States Grand Prix at the newly resurfaced Circuit of the Americas. The race will be held on October 20, with the sprint race taking place on October 19.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
