Haas has completed a three-day Testing of Previous Cars programme at Portimão with Ryō Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Câmara sharing driving duties in the VF-25. The August 26-28 running at the Algarve International Circuit underlined how TPC testing has become an increasingly important tool for Haas, not only for driver preparation but also for expanding the team’s technical and operational structure.
The three drivers represent very different profiles and levels of experience, giving Haas the opportunity to gather useful information on adaptation to Formula 1 machinery, consistency, technical feedback and the ability to work effectively with engineers.
Haas expands TPC programme with Toyota support
Haas is now able to operate a significantly more structured TPC programme thanks in part to its partnership with Toyota Gazoo Racing. The relationship became even closer in 2026, with Toyota becoming the team’s title partner and helping Haas increase the resources and personnel dedicated to testing previous Formula 1 cars.
Toyota contributes to the programme both financially and through its own engineers and drivers. Since 2026, the activity has officially operated under the TGR Haas Driver Development Program.
The arrangement benefits both organisations. Toyota can give its drivers Formula 1 mileage while also providing valuable training opportunities for technicians and engineers. Haas, meanwhile, has access to resources it would have found difficult to dedicate independently to such an extensive testing programme.
Ryō Hirakawa provides Haas with experienced benchmark
Ryō Hirakawa fits naturally into that structure. The 32-year-old Japanese driver, who serves as a Haas reserve and is closely associated with Toyota, was the most experienced reference point during the three days in Portugal.
Alongside his own preparation work, Ryō Hirakawa’s presence gave Haas a useful benchmark against which the team could assess and compare the work completed by the other drivers.
Particularly interesting from a longer-term perspective was the involvement of Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Câmara, both 21 years old.
Leonardo Fornaroli adds more Haas F1 mileage
Leonardo Fornaroli, the 2025 FIA Formula 2 champion, had already driven a Haas during an earlier TPC session in June. The Portimão test therefore allowed the Italian to accumulate further Formula 1 mileage and continue his evaluation programme with the American team.
His previous experience in the car also gave Haas another useful point of comparison as the team assessed the performances and feedback of the three drivers across the Portuguese test.
Rafael Câmara arrives after Ferrari SF-25 preparation
For Rafael Câmara, the Portimão running represented a particularly significant step. The Brazilian Ferrari Driver Academy member, currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 championship, arrived in Portugal after specific preparation work carried out with Ferrari.
In the days leading up to his Haas outing, Rafael Câmara had driven the SF-25 at Mugello specifically in preparation for his subsequent test in the VF-25. That running provided an opportunity to familiarise himself with Formula 1 machinery before switching teams and beginning work with Haas engineers.
Haas uses TPC to develop drivers and personnel
Having Ryō Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Câmara involved in the same programme allowed Haas to gather information on three contrasting driver profiles. The team could assess how quickly each adapted to Formula 1 machinery, their consistency behind the wheel, the quality of their technical feedback and their ability to work with engineers.
For Haas, TPC running is therefore no longer simply an opportunity to accumulate mileage. With Toyota’s commercial and technical support, it has developed into a genuine training and evaluation programme through which the team can develop its personnel while simultaneously building a broader base from which to assess potential Formula 1 drivers for the future.
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