The Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, who until recently was part of Alpine's reserve drivers along with Franco Colapinto, changed course and was announced as the new reserve driver for the Haas team. In an interview with various media outlets, Hirakawa was clear when referring to his departure: "I can't deny it. I think it's difficult to answer, but I think that's how it was understood, so yes".
Hirakawa, who participated in FP1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, where he finished in 12th place, joined the American team as part of an alliance with Toyota, a brand with which he competed in the World Endurance Championship. This technological connection between both structures facilitated the transfer. However, the driver himself pointed out that the large number of reserve drivers that Alpine has, including Colapinto, also influenced.
Beyond that, he expressed his enthusiasm for this new stage in the North American team: "I'm happy to be with Haas. I'm seeing that the results are improving, so I'm excited to join. It's easy to say I'm too old, but who knows [if] I can do well or not, so I do my best. I did a good job last week, so I keep doing it, and I just focus on my work", commented the 31-year-old driver.
