Haas F1 announces Ryō Hirakawa as their official reserve driver for the 2025 season, bringing fresh talent and crucial testing experience.
The Japanese driver, who was signed by Alpine F1 during the winter and currently competes with Toyota GAZOO Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, is making the switch to the American team after an impressive performance in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi last December. There, he got behind the wheel of Haas’s VF-24 car.
Having participated in numerous free practice sessions with various F1 teams from 2024 up until last weekend in Japan with Alpine F1, Hirakawa brings a wealth of paddock experience. This season, he will drive the VF-25 for four free practice sessions.
Hirakawa will replace Ollie Bearman for the first free practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 11. Later in the season, he will step in for Esteban Ocon during free practices in Spain and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, he will take Bearman’s seat again in Mexico.
A 24 Hours of Le Mans winner in 2022 and two-time Hypercar champion, Hirakawa has extensive experience across multiple racing disciplines, including Super Formula, Super GT, and the World Endurance Championship.
“I’m excited to join Haas F1 Team,” said Hirakawa. “I truly appreciate this opportunity and look forward to a new adventure with the team. My first free practice session with Haas will be in Bahrain, so it’s thrilling to have two race weekends in a row. I want to thank Ayao Komatsu, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, Morizo-san (Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation), and Toyota GAZOO Racing for making this happen. This is a new challenge for me, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1’s Team Principal, expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Ryō to the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and to see his experience enhance our understanding of the VF-25. His feedback was invaluable during last year’s post-season tests. Giving Ryō valuable track time on four different circuits this season will be beneficial for the entire team. Through our collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing, we’re excited to bring new talent on board and are thrilled to work with such a talented driver.”
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Haas F1 Signs Ryō Hirakawa as 2025 Reserve Driver
Haas F1 Signs Ryō Hirakawa as 2025 Reserve Driver