McLaren signs Ryo Hirakawa: Hints at Toyota's F1 re-entry through Sauber?

Sauber already turned down Andretti buyout bid
2 November 2023 by    2 min read
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Nov.2 - It's been a week of wild rumours in Formula 1 - and the latest involves the name of a familiar Japanese carmaker.

However, it's not Honda - whose plan to stay on the grid after the end of its Red Bull collaboration in 2026 by switching to Aston Martin remains on track.

Rather, the name at the centre of the new speculation is Toyota, who recently ramped up rumours of a F1 return with the signing of its Super Formula driver Ryo Hirakawa by McLaren.

According to the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, Toyota is now being speculatively linked with Sauber - with rumours already suggesting the Swiss F1 team's Audi deal for 2026 may be in the thorny process of being called off.

"The end of Audi's F1 project would be a disaster for Sauber," said correspondent Juuso Taipale. "But Toyota is rumoured to be their rescuer."

Taipale explains that Toyota might buy Sauber instead and then return to Formula 1 as a full works team for the first time since pulling out in 2009.

"Toyota would also supply power units to McLaren," the journalist added, although he admitted that it's just unsourced rumours and speculation for now.

But if Audi does cancel its Sauber buyout, Toyota rescuing the deal would be music to the ears of current Sauber-Alfa Romeo driver and Finn Valtteri Bottas.

The 34-year-old is already under contract for 2024, but he thinks he has "easily five more years" of Formula 1 left in his fuel tank.

"Some teams want young, new drivers," Bottas told Finnish journalist Oskari Saari's podcast this week. "Some teams want experience.

"At the moment, my number 1 goal is getting into Audi's project. It's a big car manufacturer and they have big goals right from the start.

"It could be a really good opportunity for me to get closer to the top again," the former Mercedes driver added. "A big motivation and a big goal is to get closer to the top and back on the podium."

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7 F1 Fan comments on “McLaren signs Ryo Hirakawa: Hints at Toyota's F1 re-entry through Sauber?”

  1. Jere Jyrälä

    Hirakawa's signing isn't so recent anymore.
    However, Toyota's return is doubtful & in any case, that isn't on the cards for the time being, but never say never concerning the more distant future.

  5. smokey

    The key words in this item are "it's just unsourced rumours and speculation".
    What incentive would there be for Toyota to make a re-emergence as an F1 team? They had very little success after many years in their previous foray, with not one race win during their 9 years in competition!
    I can't see the Toyota Board agreeing to return to F1 as a team. Maybe as an engine supplier only.

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