Haas has signed Ryo Hirakawa, the 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, as its new Formula 1 reserve driver for the 2025 season. Hirakawa, a Toyota-backed driver, will participate in all four mandatory FP1 rookie driver sessions, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix
Hirakawa won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota Gazoo Racing, alongside Brendon Hartley and Sebastien Buel
He is a two-time WEC champion, winning titles in 2022 and 2023.
Although Hirakawa has never started a Grand Prix, he has experience in F1, having driven for Haas in the 2024-season Abu Dhabi test and participated in FP1 for Alpine during the Japanese GP.
Haas has undergone significant changes, with Nico Hulkenberg leaving to join Stake F1 Team ahead of Audi’s arrival in 2026.
The team has promoted Oliver Bearman to a full-time seat, with Esteban Ocon joining from Alpine.
Hirakawa’s appointment as reserve driver aims to support Bearman and Ocon throughout the season
