Hirakawa Relishes Surprise FP1 Chance with Haas: “I Just Want to Make the Most of It”
Bahrain – Ryo Hirakawa says he’s determined to make the most of his unexpected opportunity with Haas F1 as he prepares to take part in his second free practice session of the 2025 season at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Originally scheduled only to drive at his home race in Japan for his former team Alpine, Hirakawa revealed that this expanded role came as a surprise.
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“No, not at all. Not at all,” he said when asked if he expected multiple FP1 outings. “The plan was just to do Suzuka with Alpine. So I just want to appreciate the Haas team for giving me this opportunity… I’m happy for it.”
The Japanese driver, who is also a key part of Toyota’s WEC program, acknowledged that adapting quickly to both the car and the circuit will be crucial in Bahrain’s demanding heat.
“It’s a very different type of track compared to Suzuka — different corners, extreme hot temperatures. I need to adapt to the car and track as quickly as possible. But I’m looking forward to it.”
Hirakawa drove in the Abu Dhabi young driver test at the end of last season, and while that experience helps, he knows Bahrain will be a greater challenge.
“Abu Dhabi had a lot of grip, so it wasn’t easy to go over the limit. But here, in Bahrain, it’s going to be very tricky with the conditions. I need to be more cautious.”
Now fully focused on his Haas reserve role, Hirakawa believes committing to one team offers clearer development and trust on both sides.
“Now I focus on Haas. I think that’s good for the team — concentrating on one team gives more trust and more opportunities.”
The move comes amid limited testing opportunities at Alpine, where the arrival of Mick Schumacher and others has crowded the driver development ladder.
“I can’t deny that,” Hirakawa said when asked if Alpine’s driver depth played a part in his switch. “It’s a difficult question, but… yeah, that’s how you can guess.”
Still, the decision to join Haas was largely his own, he confirmed.
“Quite a majority of the decision was mine. I’m happy to be with Haas. I’m seeing the results growing up, so I’m excited to join.”
Despite being 30, Hirakawa hasn’t given up on a future race seat in F1, even as the sport increasingly trends toward younger talent.
“It’s easy to say I’m too old, but who knows? I just want to do my best. I did a good job last week, so I’ll keep doing that and see what changes. Just focus on my job.”
Reflecting on his emotional FP1 outing at Suzuka, Hirakawa recalled his early days as an F1 fan.
“Twenty years ago I went to watch Formula One at Suzuka — that’s why I started my career. It was incredible to drive there. I saw many fans, and that gave me more motivation and power. Hopefully they’ll support me here too.”
Hirakawa will take part in FP1 on Friday in Bahrain, driving one of the Haas cars in what he hopes will be a stepping stone to further F1 involvement.
