Toyota-backed driver Ryo Hirakawa, 31, is positioning himself for a potential full-time Formula 1 seat. This season, he has taken on the role of test and reserve driver with the Haas team, following a stint with Alpine at the beginning of the year.
Toyota’s F1 Partnership
Hirakawa joined Haas in April 2023 after participating in practice sessions for Alpine at his home Grand Prix in Japan. He quickly transitioned to Haas, driving in practice in Bahrain, Spain, and Mexico. He has also contributed to car testing for the 2023 season.
Challenges in Testing
During a recent testing session at Zandvoort, Hirakawa encountered a “car issue” that led to a crash. This experience is part of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s technical collaboration with Haas, which has enabled them to establish their first private testing program.
Past Achievements
- World Endurance Champion
- Le Mans 24 Hours Winner
- Super GT Champion
- Super Formula Frontrunner
Hirakawa’s goal is to secure a regular race seat in the future. He emphasized, “This is just a step, and hopefully it’s going to happen, when I’m not too old.” Currently, he is competing against established drivers like Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, who hold multi-year contracts with Haas.
Future Prospects
Hirakawa’s earliest prospect for a race seat may not come until 2027, when he will be 33. If he were to secure a seat earlier, he would be the oldest debutant since Andre Lotterer raced for Caterham at age 32 in 2014.
Need for Improvement
To enhance his chances, Hirakawa must demonstrate significant improvement. He stated, “I just believe. At the moment, I’m just doing my best, just proving I deserve [a chance].” Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged Hirakawa’s understanding of the team’s objectives, noting his professionalism and the team’s plans for further development next year.
Training with Toyota
The program established by Toyota for its drivers is evolving rapidly. Hirakawa noted, “It’s getting bigger and better.” He believes that his experience in F1 has positively impacted his performance in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), stating, “They are trying to find small details… It’s really helping for my performances.”
