McLaren F1 has confirmed that its rookie driver duo for the Abu Dhabi GP and post-season testing will consist of Ryo Hirakawa and Pato O'Ward.
F1 rules require two EL1 free practice sessions per year to be completed by a beginner and to help fulfill this obligation, McLaren reserve driver Hirakawa will take part in the first hour of practice at the Yas Marina circuit this weekend. He will replace Oscar Piastri.
The Japanese joined the ranks of McLaren last September as part of an agreement with Toyota, for whom he races in the WEC.
Hirakawa's victories include a victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and the WEC title in 2022 and 2023.
Its appearance in Abu Dhabi follows McLaren testing with the MCL35M in 2023 and the MCL36 this year.
In addition to fielding rookies during the season, teams must field one during post-season testing in Abu Dhabi and that's where Mexican Pato O'Ward will come in.
O'Ward has already made an appearance behind the wheel of the MCL38 this season, taking part in the first practice session of his home Grand Prix in Mexico City (pictured below) in place of Lando Norris.
The Mexican competes in IndyCar, where he has impressed with the Arrow McLaren team since 2020.
O'Ward has seven IndyCar race victories and 26 podiums to his name, including a heartbreaking second-place finish at this year's Indianapolis 500.
The Mexican driver competed in a total of three Free 1 sessions with McLaren F1.
