The frequent changes in senior staff within the Alpine Formula 1 team, reminiscent of a ‘football manager’ style turnover, have brought attention to the importance of car makers’ involvement in managing motorsport programmes. Over a span of 10 years, the Enstone team has seen seven team principals, a pattern that doesn’t foster the stability needed for success. By examining Toyota’s handling of the WRC, Alpine could benefit from the distinct and passionate management style exhibited by Akio Toyoda, the head of one of the largest global companies, as he guides his successful rally team.
Toyoda’s straightforward mantra, emphasizing trusting those closest to the action, has been instrumental in Toyota’s capture of three WRC manufacturers’ titles (2020-2022) and four drivers’ crowns (2019-2022) since re-entering the WRC in 2017 following a 17-year hiatus.
Manufacturers enter racing primarily to promote sales and apply competitive technology to improve road cars, and success certainly aids this aim. The pursuit of victory requires significant financial investment and the associated pressure to perform.
When the Renault team rebranded to Alpine in 2021, they set a 100-race plan to rise to the top of the F1 grid. However, tensions arose within the management over the pace of progress, leading to another upheaval in staff, with team principal Otmar Szafnauer’s 18-month tenure being cut short.
Contrastingly, Toyota’s only notable WRC management shift occurred in 2021, when Tommi Makinen made way for Jari-Matti Latvala.
While instant success in motorsport may be desired, achieving it overnight is near impossible. A concerted effort over time, trust between team and manufacturer, and a positive work environment are key.
Akio Toyoda, grandson of Toyota’s founder, perfectly embodies these principles. His hands-on approach and genuine passion for motorsport have become defining characteristics of his leadership style. He even competed in his company’s rally cars, always radiating a positive energy intended to guide his team to victory.
In a recent Rally Finland event, Toyoda stood in as team principal, allowing Latvala to return to driving as a reward for recent achievements. This move showcased Toyoda’s character and gave insight into his management method, founded on team unity and letting staff excel in their roles.
Toyoda’s enthusiasm is not mere show; it’s a love for motorsport that he compares to a child’s love for ice cream. His involvement in the WRC is twofold: to enhance car manufacturing and invest in human development. His commitment is clearly reflected in his actions and his motivational words to his team.
A perfect example of the unity Toyoda fosters was when world champion Kalle Rovanpera assisted team-mate Takamoto Katsuta in achieving a stage win. The whole team’s collaborative spirit embodies the idea of “one team” that Toyoda emphasizes.
During his one-off stint as team principal, Toyoda achieved success, thanks to Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin’s victory. Jari-Matti Latvala, Toyota’s team principal outside of Rally Finland, speaks highly of working with Toyoda, appreciating his unique involvement and energy.
The accomplishments and approach of Akio Toyoda offer valuable lessons for manufacturers seeking success in motorsport. His hands-on leadership, genuine passion, trust in professionals, and focus on team unity have proven to be a winning formula. Other teams, like Alpine’s F1, could undoubtedly benefit from applying such insights. Toyoda’s humble refusal to take sole credit for the team’s success only further solidifies his commendable management style.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Toyota’s WRC management
What is the main challenge faced by the Alpine Formula 1 team as described in the text?
The Alpine Formula 1 team has faced challenges related to frequent turnover in senior staff, with seven team principals across 10 years, leading to instability and a lack of success.
How has Toyota’s WRC team under Akio Toyoda been successful since rejoining the WRC in 2017?
Toyota’s WRC success is attributed to Akio Toyoda’s passionate and unique management style, focusing on trust, unity, allowing staff to excel in their roles, and a deep, genuine love for motorsport.
What lessons can the Alpine F1 team learn from Toyota’s management approach in WRC?
Alpine F1 can learn from Toyota’s emphasis on stability in leadership, trust in team members, fostering a healthy working environment, prioritizing teamwork, and building a strong relationship between the manufacturer and the team working towards success.
Why did Akio Toyoda temporarily take over as team principal during Rally Finland?
Toyoda took on the role of team principal to allow Jari-Matti Latvala to make a one-off WRC return behind the wheel at his home event, highlighting Toyoda’s character and rewarding recent successes.
What are some key motivational words or phrases used by Akio Toyoda with his team?
Toyoda often emphasizes three key phrases with his team: ‘One team’, ‘never give up’, and ‘we hate to lose’. He also used the Finnish word SISU, meaning courage, to inspire his team.
How does Toyota’s WRC involvement contribute to their overall business strategy?
Toyota’s involvement in WRC helps them sell cars by promoting their brand and utilizing the experience and technology from racing to develop better road cars. It also contributes to human resource development.
5 comments
Wow, this article shows a lot. Alpine F1 needs to learn a thing or two from Toyota. consistency matters in leadership, they keep changing too often…
Alpine F1’s problems are a mess, 7 principals in 10 years?? Why can’t they figure it out? They should look at Toyoda’s style. he knows how to run a team.
Toyota’s commitment to WRC is something special. Akio’s approach is so refreshing! its clear that he loves what hes doing. Manufacturers, take notes.
Toyoda seems like an inspiring leader, love how he let Latvala take a spin. This is how you build a succesful team! Im not a big fan of WRC but this got me interested.
really love how Akio Toyoda manages his team. never seen a big CEO get so involved, hes really one of a kind. Makes me wanna buy a Toyota!!