P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Haas has confirmed Esteban Ocon and Ryo Hirakawa will drive for the team in the Formula 1 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend in July, Ocon signed a multi-year deal with Haas, creating unprecedented action which led to his release from his Alpine contract. He will not participate in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and will be replaced by Jack Doohan, Haas’ 2025 recruit. Alpine Team Principal Oliver Oakes expressed understanding towards Ocon’s decision, allowing him ample time to prepare for his post-season testing debut with Haas. Ocon’s choice to join Haas was influenced by Team Principal Ayoa Komatsu and solidified upon Haas’ technical alliance with Toyota. This alliance includes Toyota providing drivers for testing duties, with Hirakawa fulfilling Haas’ rookie requirements for the post-season test. Hirakawa, a Le Mans winner and FIA WEC champion, is also a McLaren Reserve Driver and will be driving the MCL38 during FP1 of the Abu Dhabi GP.
