Hirakawa switches from Alpine to Haas as 2025 F1 r...

The Haas System 1 group has introduced it has signed Ryo Hirakawa as its 2025 reserve driver, with the Toyota endurance driver transferring from Alpine.

Hirakawa was a part of Alpine’s reserve driver roster for this 12 months, participating in Friday’s first observe in Japan as a substitute of Jack Doohan. However as a part of Toyota’s technical alliance with Haas, Hirakawa will now transfer throughout to the American group for the rest of the season.

Hirakawa will maintain all 4 rookie FP1 slots for Haas, beginning at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix the place he steps into Oliver Bearman’s automotive. The 31-year-old Japanese can even deputise for Bearman in Mexico, and can substitute Esteban Ocon in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi FP1.

“I’m excited to hitch Haas F1 Team, I actually respect this chance, and I’m actually trying ahead to a brand new journey with the group,” he was quoted as saying. “I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain, so for me to have pushed at two race weekends in a row is thrilling, and I can’t wait to get to Bahrain.

“I want to thank [team principal Ayao] Komatsu-san, Haas F1 Staff, Morizo-san [Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation] and Toyota Gazoo Racing for this chance, it’s a brand new problem for me and I can’t wait to get began.”

Hirakawa’s F1 duties, which began at McLaren in 2023 and in addition included a Haas take a look at in Abu Dhabi final 12 months, type a part of Toyota’s aim to show extra of its top-line driver expertise to F1 alternatives, with the Japanese big absent from F1 as a works group because it pulled out on the finish of 2009.

As a substitute, Toyota has been a mainstay of the FIA World Endurance Championship and its Le Mans 24 Hours crown jewel. Hirakawa gained the occasion with Toyota in 2022 and has additionally claimed two world championship titles within the high class. He additionally boasts loads of single-seater expertise in Japan’s home Tremendous System class.

“It’s nice to welcome Ryo to Haas F1 Staff and have his expertise bolster our information and understanding of the VF-25,” stated group boss Komatsu. “His suggestions was very detailed on the post-season take a look at final 12 months, so with the ability to present Ryo priceless monitor time throughout 4 completely different circuits this 12 months will assist your entire group.

“As a part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s nice to welcome new expertise into the group – it’s an actual pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.”

Following Hirakawa’s departure Alpine nonetheless has three reserve drivers at its disposal this 12 months – former Williams driver Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron and Kush Maini.