Toyota-Backed Rio Hirakawa Joins Haas After Alpine Departure
RaceBrief.com reports that Rio Hirakawa, supported by Toyota, has parted ways with Alpine and joined the Haas F1 Team as a reserve driver. The move follows the growing technical partnership between Haas and Toyota, which played a key role in facilitating the agreement.
Hirakawa, a World Endurance Championship winner, previously served as a reserve driver for Alpine. He notably replaced Jack Doohan during Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
Following his performance in Japan, Hirakawa has now officially joined Haas. He is set to replace Oliver Bearman in Free Practice 1 at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
In addition to Bahrain, Hirakawa will also take the wheel during Free Practice 1 sessions at the Mexican, Spanish (Barcelona), and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix throughout the 2025 season.
