In a shocking turn of events, Alpine F1’s reserve driver, Ryo Hirakawa, has made a sudden departure to join Haas as a Formula 1 reserve driver. The unexpected move comes right after Hirakawa’s impressive performance during the Japanese Grand Prix practice at Suzuka.
Haas, known for its new partnership with Toyota, found in Hirakawa a perfect fit due to his longstanding affiliation with Toyota and his remarkable track record, including winning two World Endurance Championship titles and the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race.
Despite initially joining Alpine as a reserve driver alongside Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron, Hirakawa’s standout performance in Suzuka caught Haas’s attention, leading to his swift transition to the American team. This deal not only secures him a reserve role at Haas but also grants him four Friday practice sessions, starting in Bahrain.
While Hirakawa’s move may have come as a surprise to many, it was a well-thought-out decision based on his desire for a more prominent role in F1 and his strong ties to Toyota. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed his excitement about welcoming Hirakawa to the team, praising his expertise and valuable feedback that will benefit the entire Haas F1 squad.
In his new role at Haas, Hirakawa will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in F1 practice sessions across different circuits, including Spain, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi. Unlike Alpine, where he was one of several reserve drivers, Hirakawa holds the sole official reserve position at Haas, with the possibility of calling on Ferrari’s standbys if necessary.
As Hirakawa embarks on this new chapter with Haas, the F1 world eagerly anticipates his future performances and the impact he will have on the team’s development and success on the track.
