The Haas Method 1 crew has introduced it has signed Ryo Hirakawa as its 2025 reserve driver, with the Toyota endurance driver transferring from Alpine.
Hirakawa was a part of Alpine’s reserve driver roster for this 12 months, participating in Friday’s first apply in Japan as an alternative of Jack Doohan. However as a part of Toyota’s technical alliance with Haas, Hirakawa will now transfer throughout to the American crew for the rest of the season.
Hirakawa will maintain all 4 rookie FP1 slots for Haas, beginning at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix the place he steps into Oliver Bearman’s automobile. The 31-year-old Japanese can even deputise for Bearman in Mexico, and can substitute Esteban Ocon in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi FP1.
“I’m excited to hitch Haas F1 Staff, I actually recognize this chance, and I’m actually trying ahead to a brand new journey with the crew,” he was quoted as saying. “I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain, so for me to have pushed at two race weekends in a row is thrilling, and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain.
“I want to thank [team principal Ayao] Komatsu-san, Haas F1 Staff, Morizo-san [Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation] and Toyota Gazoo Racing for this chance, it’s a brand new problem for me and I can’t wait to get began.”
Ryo Hirakawa, Haas VF-24
Picture by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Pictures
Hirakawa’s F1 duties, which began at McLaren in 2023 and in addition included a Haas check in Abu Dhabi final 12 months, kind a part of Toyota’s objective to show extra of its top-line driver expertise to F1 alternatives, with the Japanese large absent from F1 as a works crew because it pulled out on the finish of 2009.
As a substitute, Toyota has been a mainstay of the FIA World Endurance Championship and its Le Mans 24 Hours crown jewel. Hirakawa received the occasion with Toyota in 2022 and has additionally claimed two world championship titles within the prime class. He additionally boasts loads of single-seater expertise in Japan’s home Tremendous Method class.
“It’s nice to welcome Ryo to Haas F1 Staff and have his expertise bolster our data and understanding of the VF-25,” stated crew boss Komatsu. “His suggestions was very detailed on the post-season check final 12 months, so having the ability to present Ryo useful monitor time throughout 4 totally different circuits this 12 months will assist the complete crew.
“As a part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s nice to welcome new expertise into the crew – it’s an actual pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”
Following Hirakawa’s departure Alpine nonetheless has three reserve drivers at its disposal this 12 months – former Williams driver Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron and Kush Maini.
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Filip Cleeren
Method 1
Ryo Hirakawa
Haas F1 Staff
Alpine
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