Looks like Haas have just made a savvy pit stop in their driver strategy Ryo Hirakawa is officially their reserve driver for the rest of the 2025 season. And honestly? It’s a smart bit of business.
The 31-year-old Japanese racer isn’t exactly a stranger to the F1 paddock. He’s previously been hanging around Alpine, even clocking an FP1 session with them at his home race in Suzuka. But now? He’s swapping blue for black-and-red and settling in as backup to Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon at Haas.
Not bad for a bloke who also moonlights as a world champion.
Yes, Hirakawa’s still racing full-time for Toyota GAZOO Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship, where he already has a Le Mans win (2022), two Hypercar titles, and enough multi-discipline experience to make your head spin think Super GT, Super Formula, and now F1.
And while this isn’t his first rodeo with Haas he got some valuable seat time during last year’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi 2025 kicks off his official role with the team. His first proper gig in the VF-25? The upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, taking over Bearman’s car for FP1.
He’s not stopping there either Hirakawa’s locked in for a total of four FP1 outings this year: Bahrain, Spain (for Ocon), Mexico, and Abu Dhabi. It’s a pretty solid tour of F1’s trickiest circuits — and a huge opportunity to show he’s more than just an endurance guy.
“I’m genuinely buzzing,” Hirakawa said (well, the polite Japanese version of that). “To go from Le Mans to FP1 in Bahrain? That’s a big shift, and I’m grateful to Komatsu-san and the whole Haas crew for the shot not to mention Morizo-san and the Toyota GAZOO family backing me.”
Team Principal Ayo Komatsu sounded just as thrilled: “Ryo’s got serious feedback skills his input at last year’s test was top-notch. Giving him more track time across different circuits helps us, helps him, and fits perfectly with our link-up with Toyota.”
So, what’s next? More simulator work, more development duties, and likely a few more paddock selfies for fans. Haas are currently sixth in the constructors’ table with 15 points not bad for a team who’ve had their fair share of rollercoaster seasons. The VF-25’s already seen some updates that paid off in Japan, and Hirakawa will help run the rule over more new parts throughout the season.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just a ceremonial signing. Hirakawa’s sharp, calm under pressure, and has more miles under his belt than most rookies dream of. If things line up just right, don’t be surprised if we see him on the grid full-time before too long.
