Alpine has added Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa as a test and reserve driver, and will run him in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix in April.
Hirakawa was most recently with McLaren as part of its driver development program, and was one of the team’s reserve drivers in 2024. The Japanese driver took part in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year and then also drove for Haas during the young driver test that followed, thanks to his links with Toyota.
RACER understands the move for Hirakawa brings his time with McLaren to an end, while future plans with Haas — that has a Toyota partnership — are undefined. Haas is expected to run Ritomo Miyata at some stage when its TPC program kicks off later this month
While Alpine has been linked with a move for Franco Colapinto as a potential reserve option, it has now confirmed Hirakawa will join Paul Aron as carrying out simulator and testing of previous car (TPC) duties.
“It is an honor to be joining BWT Alpine Formula 1 team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season,” Hirakawa said. “As always, the opportunity of track time in Formula 1 machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers and I am excited to drive in Free Practice 1 in front of my home crowd at the Japanese Grand Prix, as well as working with the team testing previous cars.
“It is a great opportunity to be working with such a dedicated team that utilizes the breadth of experience of its driver pool and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year together.”
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes says Hirakawa’s additional experience in WEC, Super Formula and Super GT makes him a strong asset that the team can lean on.
“It is great to bring Ryo on board with the team for 2025 and have him step in to take over driving duties for FP1 in Japan in front of his home crowd,” Oakes said. “His addition brings a diverse range of racing experience to our current roster and expands the pool of talent available to call upon throughout the season.
“His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC program and simulator work, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.”
