Ryo Hirakawa Eyes Haas Seat for 2027, Faces Slim Odds

Ryo Hirakawa admits he is dreaming of a full-time Haas seat for 2027, but the 32-year-old accepts the odds are against him. Speaking at the Red Bull Ring, he said his FP1 outings are aimed at proving value to the team rather than simply collecting mileage.

Why it matters:

Haas faces a crowded fight for its second 2027 seat, and Hirakawa's ambitions highlight the tension between commercial partnerships and sporting reality. While Toyota wants a Japanese driver on the grid, his age and lack of junior-series pedigree leave him trailing better-prepared candidates.

The details:

• Hirakawa spoke after his seventh FP1 outing, standing in for Esteban Ocon in Austria following previous sessions with Haas and McLaren.
• He finished 19th in Spielberg, though the team used the session for race preparation in extreme heat rather than chasing lap times.
• The queue for the seat is growing. Ferrari Academy prospect Rafael Camara and McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli—who recently tested with Haas—are both considered stronger contenders.
• Experience gap: Toyota's desire for Japanese representation could benefit Yuki Tsunoda instead, whose Grand Prix experience makes him a safer bet than the WEC veteran.
• Hirakawa conceded he is focused on delivering strong feedback, treating these opportunities as a chance to keep the dream alive.

What's next:

With Oliver Bearman likely anchoring one side of the garage, Haas must decide whether to prioritize youth, experience, or its Toyota partnership when replacing Ocon. Unless Hirakawa produces something extraordinary in his remaining chances, the seat will likely go to a junior prospect or an established hand like Tsunoda.