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Haas Announces Esteban Ocon’s Replacement for Spanish GP Kickoff

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Highlights

  • Ryo Hirakawa replaces Esteban Ocon in Spanish GP FP1 session
  • Hirakawa previously drove FP1 in Bahrain and Suzuka for Haas
  • Haas uses Hirakawa to fulfill rookie FP1 participation requirements
  • Hirakawa expected in FP1 sessions at Mexico and Abu Dhabi
  • Spanish GP introduces mandatory two-stop race strategy regulations
  • Hirakawa’s role strengthens Haas-Toyota technical partnership in F1

Haas F1 Team has officially confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa will step in for Esteban Ocon during the first practice session at the Spanish Grand Prix. The event is set for the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, marking another opportunity for the Japanese driver to showcase his skills with the American squad this season.

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Hirakawa already drove for Haas earlier this year, replacing Ollie Bearman in the Bahrain Grand Prix’s opening session. Before joining Haas for the Barcelona race weekend, he also stood in for Jack Doohan during a first practice run at Suzuka.

Shortly after those appearances, Hirakawa returned to Haas, picking up where he left off with the team’s testing and reserve duties last season. The 31-year-old driver has been closely connected to the Banbury-based team through his ties with Toyota, Haas’s technical partner, which strengthens his position in the Formula 1 paddock.

Hirakawa’s new role fulfills Haas’s requirement for having rookies participate in four first practice sessions during the current Formula 1 season. Besides the outings in Bahrain and Spain, he is expected to appear in FP1 at both Mexico and Abu Dhabi later in the year.

These chances give Hirakawa vital exposure and meet important FIA regulations for teams to run less-experienced drivers during practice sessions. Esteban Ocon, who joined Haas as part of the 2025 driver lineup, will take a back seat this time as part of the team’s strategic approach to driver development and compliance.

Ollie Bearman, meanwhile, remains one of the highly anticipated rookies on the grid, having made significant impressions when he filled in previous practice sessions.

The Spanish Grand Prix has become important for teams due to new rules, with a mandatory two-stop strategy being introduced this year.

Discussions among the drivers and team bosses have revolved around how these regulation changes might affect not only strategy but also the overall excitement of the race. Fans are also eagerly observing how technical directives for the Barcelona circuit will play out over the weekend.

Haas Announces Esteban Ocon’s Replacement for Spanish GP Kickoff

Ryo Hirakawa’s continued involvement with Haas this season highlights the team’s ongoing efforts to develop links with emerging drivers and key technical partners. His appearances provide valuable learning opportunities both for the driver and the squad as the 2025 season progresses.

With more sessions lined up, Hirakawa will continue to build his experience at the highest level of motorsport and contribute to the team’s growth.

* The featured image is not a real photograph — it was created using AI.
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John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio's Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.

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