Verstappen Set to Miss Spanish Grand Prix as FIA R…read more

Verstappen Set to Miss Spanish Grand Prix as FIA R…read more

In a development that has drawn considerable attention ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Haas F1 Team has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not participate in the first free practice session (FP1) in Barcelona. Instead, the team will give reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa the opportunity to step into the VF-24 cockpit for FP1. This move comes in response to the current Formula 1 regulations regarding rookie driver participation, which are set to be revised and tightened from the 2025 season onward.

Ryo Hirakawa, a highly experienced Japanese racer, joined Haas earlier this year after parting ways with Alpine F1. His entry into the American squad aligns closely with Haas’ strategic collaboration with Japanese auto giant Toyota, a partnership that has stirred conversation in the paddock. Many observers speculate that Toyota’s growing influence within the Haas organization was instrumental in facilitating Hirakawa’s transition to the team.

At 31 years old, Hirakawa is not new to the racing scene. While he may be categorized as a “rookie” by Formula 1 standards due to limited official F1 race weekend experience, he has an extensive racing résumé. His background includes successful stints in endurance racing, particularly with Toyota’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) team, where he has proven his mettle in high-pressure environments. His performance in sports car racing has been highly regarded, and Haas appears to be banking on that experience translating well to the F1 stage.

Hirakawa first drove the Haas car earlier this year during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, giving both the team and the driver a chance to get acquainted. His upcoming FP1 appearance in Spain marks his first official involvement in a Grand Prix weekend session, further embedding him in Haas’ plans for the future.

Haas’ decision to field Hirakawa is not only a strategic personnel move but also a compliance measure with the sport’s rookie participation rules. Under current regulations, teams must give opportunities to drivers with limited Grand Prix experience during official practice sessions. These regulations are set to become even more stringent next year, making it essential for teams to plan accordingly.

While much attention has focused on the headline suggesting Max Verstappen might miss the Spanish Grand Prix, the confirmed news centers on Haas’ tactical deployment of Hirakawa in FP1—an important step in both the team’s long-term development plan and Formula 1’s ongoing effort to integrate emerging talent into the grid.