Ryo Hirakawa has been named as Haas reserve driver for the remainder of 2025 F1 season.
Hirakawa previously tested for Haas in the 2024 post-season test and more recently drove for Alpine in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished 12th and 0.153 seconds faster than his teammate for the session, Pierre Gasly.
Haas has now tied down Hirakawa as reserve driver for the remainder of the season, during which he will replace Oliver Bearman for FP1 in Bahrain and Mexico, whilst he will take Esteban Ocon’s seat in Spain and Abu Dhabi’s opening practice sessions.
“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,” commented Hirakawa who is excited to get more time in F1 machinery on race weekends.
“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.”
Team Principal, Ayao Komatsu is pleased to have Hirakawa bringing “… his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” as he reflected on the 31 year-old’s post-season test.
“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.
“As part of our collaboration with Toyota GAZOO Racing, it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”
