Haas Driver to Miss Spanish Grand Prix Session as FIA Rookie Rule Sparks Criticism
Haas Formula 1 team has announced that Esteban Ocon will sit out the first practice session (FP1) at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, making way for reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa to get behind the wheel. The decision is part of Haas’ compliance with Formula 1’s evolving rookie participation regulations, which will see increased requirements from 2025.
Ryo Hirakawa, a seasoned Japanese driver, joined the American outfit earlier this year after leaving the Alpine F1 team. His move coincided with Haas’ newly formed partnership with Japanese automotive giant Toyota—a deal that many believe paved the way for Hirakawa’s arrival. The 31-year-old made his on-track debut for Haas during pre-season testing at the Bahrain Grand Prix and is now set to take part in his first official free practice session for the team in Barcelona.
The FIA introduced rookie driver mandates to create more opportunities for young and less-experienced drivers to gain F1 track time in real race weekends. In 2024, the rule requires teams to run a rookie in at least one FP1 session per car over the course of the season. However, starting from 2025, this obligation will double—each car must be driven by a rookie on two separate occasions throughout the year. As a result, teams are beginning to rotate drivers earlier in the season to ensure they meet the requirement while also evaluating new talent.
Esteban Ocon, who has had a mixed 2024 season so far, will be stepping aside for the Friday morning session to allow Hirakawa to fulfill the rookie quota. While Hirakawa is not a rookie in the traditional sense—he is a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and a Super Formula veteran—he qualifies under the FIA’s rookie classification because he has participated in fewer than two Grand Prix weekends.
The FIA’s push for increased rookie involvement has been met with mixed reactions across the paddock. While many agree that giving young talent more exposure is essential for the sport’s future, some critics argue that forcing teams to sideline established drivers could disrupt weekend preparations and affect car development, especially for teams fighting in the midfield where every practice session is vital.
The move by Haas is strategic, allowing them to meet their rookie obligations early while also evaluating Hirakawa’s performance in real-time conditions. The team, currently battling to climb the Constructors’ standings, will be watching closely to assess whether Hirakawa could play a more prominent role in the future.
Hirakawa’s upcoming appearance in Spain is especially significant considering his background. With a wealth of experience in endurance racing and Japanese single-seaters, he brings a unique skill set to Formula 1. His entry also marks a rare opportunity for Japanese drivers in modern F1, and his association with Toyota could further strengthen Haas’ technical and commercial ambitions moving forward.
Despite his limited experience in F1 machinery, Hirakawa has already impressed the Haas engineers during simulations and prior test sessions. His ability to provide useful feedback and adapt quickly to new conditions was reportedly one of the key reasons behind his selection for the FP1 session in Barcelona.
As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Hirakawa to see how he performs during his on-track stint. The session will not only help Haas fulfil their regulatory obligations but also offer insights into how well their reserve driver can handle the demands of a competitive race weekend.
While some fans and analysts have criticized the FIA’s stricter rules as unnecessarily disruptive, others see it as a crucial step toward building the next generation of F1 stars. Whether this gamble pays off for Haas remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the sport is placing a growing emphasis on developing future talent—one practice session at a time.
