Ryo Hirakawa has joined Haas as a reserve driver for the remainder of the 2025 Formulation 1 season after spending the final three months in the identical position at Alpine.
As a part of his new position, Hirakawa will take part in 4 apply periods within the VF-25 this yr, beginning with this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. He’ll make additional FP1 appearances in Spain, Mexico and Abu Dhabi, with Haas relying completely on him to finish its obligatory rookie operating.
In Bahrain and Mexico, Hirakawa will take the place of rookie Oliver Bearman, whereas Esteban Ocon will vacate his seat for him within the opening apply for Barcelona and Abu Dhabi weekends.
Hirakawa first linked up with Haas throughout final yr’s post-season check in Abu Dhabi.
The American F1 staff additionally has a technical partnership with the world’s largest automotive maker Toyota, the identical producer which has honed Hirakawa from his early days in junior racing.
The 31-year-old at present drives the manufacturing unit Toyota GR010 Hybrid within the high Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship.
“I’m excited to affix MoneyGram Haas F1 Staff, I actually recognize this chance, and I’m actually trying ahead to a brand new journey withthe staff,” he mentioned.
“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 Komatsu-san, MoneyGram Haas F1 Staff, Morizo-san (Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Company) and Toyota GAZOO Racing for this chance, it’s a brand new problem for me and I can’t wait to get began.”
Hirakawa joined Alpine as a reserve and check driver in January and made his first apply look with the staff in entrance of his dwelling crowd at Suzuka final weekend.
Nevertheless, only a day after the Japanese Grand Prix, it was revealed that Hirakawa would break up with the Renault model to affix forces with Haas.
Alpine nonetheless has Paul Aron, Franco Colapinto and Kush Maini as a part of its reserve driver roster. Each Colapinto and Maini had been promoted to the position after Hirakawa joined the programme in mid-January.
Haas is the third F1 staff Hirakawa has had an official position with, having additionally been part of McLaren’s younger driver programme between late 2023 and the tip of the 2024 season.
McLaren handed him his first-weekend look on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final yr.
“It’s nice to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Staff and have his expertise bolster our data and understanding of the VF-25,” shared Ayao Komatsu, Staff Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Staff.
“His suggestions was very detailed on the post-season check final yr, so having the ability to present Ryō helpful observe time throughout 4 totally different circuits this yr will assist your complete staff.
As a part of our collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing, it’s nice to welcome new expertise into the staff – it’s an actual pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”
