From test driver to race seat
Ryo Hirakawa is working as a test and reserve driver at Haas this season. He is under the care of Toyota Gazoo Racing. Toyota is using the partnership with Haas to develop its drivers and engineers. Hirakawa hopes his role at Haas will lead to a permanent Formula 1 seat.
What experience does Hirakawa already have?
Hirakawa is 31 years old. Before joining Haas, he started the year at Alpine. He drove Friday practice sessions in Japan for Alpine. Immediately after, he drove the first free practice for Haas in Bahrain the following week.
This year, he was also in action during FP1 in Spain and in Mexico. He also tested through the year with a 2023 car. During a test at Zandvoort, he was involved in a crash. According to him, a technical problem played a role.
Sporting background
Hirakawa is no stranger to motorsport. He is world champion in the World Endurance Championship and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota. Earlier, he was successful in Japanese championships such as Super GT and Super Formula.
What are his chances of getting a seat?
Haas already has two drivers under contract for next season: Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon. Those contracts are multi-year. That makes immediate space scarce.
The intention is for Hirakawa to stay with the team next year as well. That means a real chance of a full season is earlier in 2027. He would then turn 33. A debut at that age would make him one of the older newcomers to F1.
How can he still break through?
- Consistently good performance in free practice and testing.
- Continued development as per Haas and Toyota programme.
- Support from Toyota as partnership expands.
- Availability of a seat at Haas or another race stable.
What does the team say?
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stresses that the team is working closely with Hirakawa. There is a programme for this year and next. Komatsu calls him professional and understands that he understands the bigger picture. The team wants to see how he develops further.
Advantage of F1 work for other classes
Hirakawa says working in Formula 1 improves his performance in the WEC. Small adjustments and details found in F1 also help improve the WEC car. He feels progress in his driving and in the team approach.
Conclusion
Hirakawa is taking clear steps towards a possible F1 seat. However, the route is not easy. He needs to keep performing and wait for the right opportunity. Toyota and Haas offer him opportunities. Whether those opportunities lead to a permanent racing spot will depend on performance, timing and additional opportunities within the team.
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