Alpine welcomes a new driver to its ranks in Formula 1. It is not Franco Colapinto, despite rumors in recent weeks, but Ryō Hirakawa. The 30-year-old Japanese is best known for his career in Endurance since he races in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota Gazoo Racing. He won the Drivers’ title in the Hypercar category twice with the Japanese manufacturer, in 2022 then in 2023, and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 with Sébastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley.
Hirakawa is no stranger to Formula 1, having had the opportunity to drive in test sessions with McLaren, notably during Free Practice 1 of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A few days later, he was on track with the Haas team, still near Yas Marina, for the tests dedicated to beginners. The association between the American team and Toyota, effective since Friday October 11, seemed to open the door to a reserve role for Hirakawa at Haas, but it is ultimately the colors of Alpine that he will wear in 2025. within the A fléché team, the native of Kure (Japan) will occupy the role of test and reserve driver.
Hirakawa on track with Alpine at Suzuka
Hirakawa will have the opportunity to help the team in the simulator, while participating in the testing program with the old single-seaters (TPC). That’s not all, since the Japanese will have the opportunity to ride in front of his home crowd during Free Practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. “It is an honor to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season, declares the person concerned. As always, the opportunity to spend time on track behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car represents the pinnacle for drivers. I’m excited about driving in front of my home crowd in Free Practice 1 of the Japanese Grand Prix, but also about working with the team to test old cars. Working with a team so committed to exploiting the full range of experience of its drivers is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year. »
“It’s great to welcome Ryō to the team for 2025 and it will also be great to have him behind the wheel during FP1 in Japan, in front of his home crowd, ajoute Oliver Oakes, team principal d’Alpine F1 Team. Son Arrival brings a diverse cross-section of experiences to our current group of drivers while expanding the talent pool available to us throughout the season. His role will be important in supporting the team in different areas of development through our TPC program and our simulator work. We therefore look forward to welcoming him as we continue our preparations for the new season. »
ALSO READ > F1 2025 Calendar: discover the complete calendar of the 24 Grands Prix
