Gazoo Racing: From Nürburgring Humbling to Haas F1 Power Move

Toyota Gazoo Racing didn’t start with trophies… it started with getting humbled at the Nürburgring.This week, Sam (@sentiersilvana / Silvana’s Garage) drags Dom (@djdomcook) into an educational deep dive on one of motorsport’s most fascinating glow-ups: how Akio Toyoda went from an “unofficial” Nürburgring 24H entry in a 2JZ-powered Mk4 Supra to building a philosophy-driven performance empire — and ultimately plotting a return to Formula 1 through Haas.We break down the early GR days (including the Altezza training hack), the “Ford v Ferrari” energy moment that lit the fuse, and the bittersweet chapter around master test driver Hiromu Naruse. Then we hit the LFA: the Yamaha-tuned masterpiece that sounds like a V10 angel and cost Toyota an absolute fortune.And just when you think it’s all nostalgia… we fast-forward to the modern move: Toyota Gazoo Racing’s growing involvement with Haas — technical support, testing programs, aero/chassis focus — and why this “lower risk” strategy could be the smartest long game in the paddock.Drop in, learn something, and argue with us in the comments: is this the beginning of Toyota’s full works return?🎧 Listen on all platforms: @boxboxboxpod 📸 Follow us: Instagram | TikTok | Threads | YouTube 🛎️ Subscribe + leave us a review – it really helps!