Hirakawa gets Haas reserve role, will drive in Bahrain FP1

Haas has named Ryo Hirakawa as its reserve driver for 2025 and will run the experienced Japanese in first practice at this weekend Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hirakawa has been amassing experience in multiple different Formula 1 cars in recent months, with testing of previous car (TPC) outings with McLaren leading to driving FP1 for the same team in Abu Dhabi last year. Hirakawa then drove for Haas in the young driver test that followed the end of last season, before an FP1 outing at Suzuka for Alpine last weekend.

The Suzuka appearance came as part of Hirakawa’s role as one of multiple reserve options at Alpine, but Haas has now also named the 32-year-old – who is affiliated with its technical partner Toyota – as its reserve.

Hirakawa will complete all four of Haas’ rookie outings this season, replacing Ollie Bearman in Bahrain and Mexico City, while he will take over Esteban Ocon’s car in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi.

“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,” Hirakawa said. “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.

“I would like to thank Komatsu-san, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, Morizo-san (Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation) and Toyota Gazoo Racing for this opportunity, it’s a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.”

Komatsu says the track time Hirakawa has been building up across so many teams gives him a significant understanding of different cars that Haas can tap into.

“It’s great to welcome Ryo to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” Komatsu said. “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.

“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.”

Hirakawa will not be the only rookie driving in FP1 in Bahrain, with Dino Beganovic getting his first outing at Ferrari as one of a number of expected replacement drivers. The venue lends itself well because FP1 and FP3 are less representative for race drivers given the sunset timing of the grand prix, and their greater experience of the track due to testing.