In a shocking turn of events, Ryo Hirakawa has been appointed as the reserve driver for Haas in the upcoming 2025 season. The Japanese sensation will kick off his role by participating in the first practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
Hirakawa, who has been honing his skills by testing various Formula 1 cars, impressed the Haas team during his previous outings with McLaren and Alpine. His recent appearance at Suzuka as part of Alpine’s reserve options caught the attention of Haas, leading to his official appointment as the team’s reserve driver.
The 32-year-old driver, affiliated with Haas’s technical partner Toyota, will showcase his talent in all four rookie outings for Haas this season. He will replace Ollie Bearman in Bahrain and Mexico City, while also taking over Esteban Ocon’s car in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi.
Expressing his excitement, Hirakawa stated, “I’m excited to join MoneyGram Haas F1 Team… I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain, so for me to have driven at two race weekends in a row is exciting, and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain.”
Haas Team Principal, Komatsu, praised Hirakawa’s extensive track experience across different teams, highlighting the valuable insights he would bring to the team. Komatsu mentioned, “His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year, so being able to provide Ryo valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team.”
Moreover, Hirakawa is not the only rookie making waves in Bahrain, as Dino Beganovic will also make his debut in FP1 for Ferrari. The unique sunset timing of the grand prix provides an excellent opportunity for these young drivers to gain experience on the track.
With Hirakawa’s appointment, Haas is gearing up for an exciting season ahead, bolstering their lineup with a talented and experienced reserve driver. Fans can expect thrilling performances on the track as these rookies make their mark in the world of Formula 1.
