Haas has named Ryo Hirakawa as the spare driver for 2025 and will run an experienced Japanese in his first practice at Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.
Hirokawa has gained experience with several different Formula 1 cars in recent months, testing out his previous car (TPC) outings with McLaren, driving the same team’s FP1 in Abu Dhabi last year. After that, last month drove Haas in the young driver test that followed the end of last season, and FP1 went out in Suzuka for Alpine last weekend.
Suzuka’s arrival came as part of Hirokawa’s role as one of the multiple spare options at Alpine, but Haas is currently nominated as a 32-year-old, 32-year-old (also associated with technology partner Toyota) as a spare.
Hirokawa has completed all four of Haas’ rookies this season, replacing Burleina and Mexico City’s Ollie Bearman, taking over the Esteban Ocon cars in Barcelona and Abu Dhabi.
“I look forward to being part of the Moneygram Haas Formula 1 team. I’m really grateful for this opportunity. I’m really looking forward to a new journey with the team,” Nishikawa said. “I’m driving my first FP1 session in Bahrain, so driving in a row over the weekend of two races is exciting and I can’t wait to go to Bahrain.
“I would like to thank Komatsu, the Moneygram Haas F1 team, Morizo-San (Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation) and Toyota Gazoo Race for this opportunity. This is a new challenge for me and I can’t wait to get started.”
Komatsu says the time on the truck that hirakawa spans so many teams gives an important understanding of the various cars that Haas can take advantage of.
“It’s great to welcome Ryo to the Moneygram Haas F1 team and strengthen his knowledge and understanding of the VF-25,” Komatsu says. “His feedback was very detailed in last year’s postseason tests, so being able to provide RYO’s valuable track time on four different circuits this year will help the whole team.
“It’s great to have new talent on our team as part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing. It’s a real joy to work with his driving insightful racer.”
Hirokawa is not the only newcomer driving on Bahrain’s FP1, and Dino was the first to go out as one of many alternative drivers expected to make his first out at Ferrari. The venue is well-supported as FP1 and FP3 are not representatives of race drivers given the timing of the Grand Prix sunsets and the greater experience of the track due to testing.