Photo credit: www.autosport.com
Haas F1 Team Welcomes Ryo Hirakawa as Reserve Driver for 2025 Season
The Haas Formula 1 team has officially announced the signing of Ryo Hirakawa as their reserve driver for the 2025 season. Previously affiliated with Alpine, the accomplished driver is set to bring his talents to the American team, following a notable tenure in endurance racing with Toyota.
Hirakawa served as one of Alpine’s reserve drivers this past season, participating in the first practice session during the Japanese Grand Prix in place of Jack Doohan. Now, with the advantage of a technical partnership between Toyota and Haas, he will transition to his new role for the remainder of the ongoing season.
His responsibilities will encompass all four rookie FP1 (Friday Practice 1) slots for Haas, commencing at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, where he is scheduled to drive Oliver Bearman’s car. The 31-year-old racer will also take over for Bearman in Mexico, alongside fellow FP1 duties in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi for Esteban Ocon.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Hirakawa stated, “I’m thrilled to join the Haas F1 Team. This opportunity is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to embarking on this new journey with the team.” He added, “I’m excited to drive my first FP1 session in Bahrain, and I can’t wait to experience two race weekends in a row.”
He extended his gratitude to key figures including team principal Ayao Komatsu, Morizo-san (Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation), and Toyota Gazoo Racing for their support, emphasizing that this role presents a new and exciting challenge for him.
Background on Ryo Hirakawa
Hirakawa’s involvement with F1 began at McLaren in 2023, alongside a testing session with Haas in Abu Dhabi last year. His inclusion as a reserve driver is part of Toyota’s strategic intent to provide its top drivers with more exposure to Formula 1, an arena where the manufacturer has not participated as a works team since 2009. Toyota continues to thrive in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), where it is a dominant presence, particularly at prestigious events like the Le Mans 24 Hours. Hirakawa notably secured victory at this event in 2022 and claimed the WEC title in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he has ample experience competing in Japan’s respected Super Formula series.
Team Comments
Haas F1 Team principal Komatsu expressed enthusiasm about Hirakawa joining the team, stating, “It’s wonderful to welcome Ryo to Haas F1 Team and leverage his experience to enhance our understanding of the VF-25. His detailed feedback during last season’s post-season test was invaluable, and the opportunity for him to gain track time across four different circuits this year will benefit the entire team.” Komatsu also highlighted the significance of collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing in bringing new talent to the fold.
Alpine’s Reserve Driver Situation
Despite Hirakawa’s transition, Alpine retains three reserve drivers for the current season: Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron, and Kush Maini. This ensures they are well-prepared for any eventuality as the season progresses.
As the season unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe Hirakawa’s performance as he integrates into the Haas team and further navigates the challenges of Formula 1.
Source
www.autosport.com