‘Impressive’ Alpine reserve driver could be handed over to rival F1 team after the Japanese Grand Prix

The Formula 1 driver merry-go-round is set to start turning earlier than anyone expected this season.

After just two Grand Prix weekends, Red Bull are set to replace Liam Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda after an underwhelming start to 2025.

Lawson has struggled more than anyone expected at Red Bull, with the car looking incredibly difficult to handle unless you’re Max Verstappen.

The pressure will be on Tsunoda to perform at his home race in Japan on his Red Bull debut to prove that he can do a better job than the 23-year-old.

However, there are talks of movements happening elsewhere in the paddock after the Japanese Grand Prix.

Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto has been linked with Racing Bulls as part of the Lawson-Tsunoda drama, but that seems unlikely to happen.

His Alpine colleague Ryo Hirakawa might be on the move, though, with Haas interested in signing the 31-year-old.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Alpine F1 Team from team principal to lineage

Haas interested in signing Alpine reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa after the Japanese Grand Prix

Alpine’s driver situation is precarious to say the least, with Jack Doohan said to be on a short-term contract after replacing Esteban Ocon.

Flavio Briatore arrived at Alpine last year and has collected a strong cohort of reserve drivers to keep the pressure on the young Australian.

Alongside Hirakawa and Colapinto, the highly-rated Paul Aron and F2 star Kush Maini are also waiting in the wings.

Journalist Joe Saward reported on his blog that ‘the word in Shanghai’ was that Alpine would be ‘handing over’ Hirakawa to Haas after the upcoming race weekend in Shanghai.

Hirakawa will drive in FP1 for Alpine at Suzuka as a nod to the support he’s received from his home fans.

However, a move for the 31-year-old makes sense after Haas received Toyota backing last year, and that partnership is likely to benefit both parties.

READ MORE: All to know about Haas F1 Team from team principal to Ferrari and Toyota ties

Andrea Stella talks up ‘impressive’ Alpine reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa

Before signing for Alpine, Hirakawa was part of McLaren’s development driver set-up.

When he signed for the Woking-based outfit, team principal Andrea Stella said: “I’m pleased to welcome Ryo to McLaren Racing as a Formula 1 reserve driver to further strengthen our growing support driver pool.

“We are thankful to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for their collaboration by allowing Ryo to take on the new role alongside his driving duties.

“He has an impressive record on track, winning Le Mans as well as the FIA World Endurance Championship.”

Welcome, Ryō 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/MOCymvlgzQ

— BWT Alpine Formula One Team (@AlpineF1Team) January 29, 2025

Hirakawa has a wealth of experience away from Formula 1, and that knowledge will benefit Haas, who have never had the capacity to do TPC [testing of previous cars] runs before.

Alpine can afford to allow one of their reserve drivers to move on, particularly as if either Doohan or Pierre Gasly need to be replaced, Colapinto is the obvious option.

Toyota’s attitude to racing in Formula 1 has recently changed after they invested huge sums in their own team without ever winning a race.

Placing one of their most highly-rated drivers in the affiliated team on the grid, with F2 driver Ritomo Miyata also within Haas’ ranks, suggest they’re definitely taking the sport more seriously.