Formula 1 can occasionally see a driver make a comeback, whether it’s Michael Schumacher’s in 2010 or Kimi Raikkonen in 2012.
They rarely result in those drivers challenging for titles or recapturing their former glory, although that could change fairly soon if Fernando Alonso and Aston Martin become title contenders in 2026.
It has been a mixed season for Aston Martin so far, having mostly been beaten by midfield teams such as Williams and Haas.
Haas have made inroads since the promotion of Ayao Komatsu, and their latest technical partnership with Toyota has recently yielded a rather unexpected comeback for one F1 cult hero.
Kamui Kobayashi makes F1 comeback with Haas
Former F1 driver Kamui Kobayashi returned to the cockpit of a Formula 1 car for the first time in more than a decade, having participated in a test for Haas in France.
The test was part of F1’s Testing of Previous Car regulations, with Kobayashi running in their 2023 car at the Circuit Paul Ricard.
Toyota recently signed a technical partnership with Haas, which sees them provide design and manufacturing services to Haas in return for F1 opportunities for its junior drivers.
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Kobayashi’s return has sparked some attention on social media, with one fan commenting: “Never thought we’d see the return of the man himself!!”
Another fan was excited to see the return of the Japanese driver, having last run in F1 during the 2014 season with Caterham before they folded: “THE RETURN OF THE KING”
One fan thinks it was overdue: “Finally after long long time!” While another felt that Kobayashi should be offered another chance: “If only Kamui made a full return”
Another excited fan wrote: “KAMUI KOBAYASHI MENTIONED,” while one said: “Miss Kamui so much, his podium at Japan was so special.”
Kamui Kobayashi last raced in F1 over 10 years ago
After making his debut with Toyota at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix, Kobayashi was seen as one of the most exciting talents coming through the grid.
He would switch to Sauber for 2010 after Toyota pulled out at the end of 2009, before going on to race for Caterham in 2014.
Kobayashi’s final outing in an F1 car was at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the team made its return following a crowdfund after previously missing the US and Brazilian Grands Prix due to lack of funding.
The Japanese driver would go on to race for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship, where he would compete in Le Mans, winning it outright for the first time in 2021.
Kobayashi now serves as the team manager for Toyota in WEC, following his success as a driver, winning the WEC title in both 2019/20 and 2021.
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