Ryo Hirakawa Makes Shocking Move from Alpine to Haas F1 Team!
In a surprising turn of events, Ryo Hirakawa has bid farewell to Alpine and secured a spot in the prestigious Haas F1 Team as their official reserve driver. The 31-year-old Japanese driver recently showcased his skills during the Free Practice 1 session at the Japanese Grand Prix before making this groundbreaking career shift.
Hirakawa’s impressive racing background includes stints with Toyota Gazoo Racing Hypercar squad in the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he clinched victory at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022. As a two-time Hypercar champion with extensive experience in Super Formula and Super GT, Hirakawa brings a wealth of expertise to his new role at Haas.
The Haas F1 Team’s technical partnership with Toyota has paved the way for Hirakawa to participate in four FP1 sessions, commencing at the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix. He is set to replace Oliver Bearman in Bahrain, Mexico City, and will even take over Esteban Ocon’s seat in Spain and Abu Dhabi.
Expressing his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career, Hirakawa shared, “I’m excited to join MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, I really appreciate this opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team.” His eagerness to step into the FP1 session in Bahrain highlights his readiness to dive into this thrilling venture.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu also expressed his delight in welcoming Hirakawa to the team, acknowledging the value of his experience and insights in enhancing the team’s performance. “His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year, so being able to provide Ryō valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team,” Komatsu stated, emphasizing the strategic advantage of having a driver of Hirakawa’s caliber on board.
This strategic move not only marks a significant shift in Hirakawa’s career but also underscores Haas F1 Team’s commitment to fostering fresh talent and leveraging key partnerships for a competitive edge in the high-octane world of Formula 1. Stay tuned as Hirakawa gears up to make his mark with Haas F1 Team in the upcoming races, promising an electrifying season ahead!