Hirakawa Joins Haas As F1 Reserve Driver After Suzuka Outing

Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa has joined Haass reserve roster and will take the wheel at four practice sessions this Formula One season , the American outfit said today.

Hirakawa will replace Briton Ollie Bearman for the first free practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix this week and again in Mexico later in the season.

Esteban Ocon will make way for the 31-year-old Hiroshima native for practice sessions at the Spain and Abu Dhabi races, Haas said.

Hirakawa, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with Toyota, made his practice debut at his home grand prix at Suzuka in Japan with Alpine last week, replacing Australian rookie Jack Doohan.

He tested Haass VF-25 car in Abu Dhabi in the off-season after being a reserve for 2024 champions McLaren.