McLaren Racing has made an interesting new addition to its team, recently announcing the acquisition of Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve driver for their Formula 1 division. This unexpected move signifies McLaren’s continuous efforts to strengthen their driver development program and expand their pool of talented drivers.
Hirakawa’s role within McLaren’s driver development program will involve supporting the team in their cutting-edge simulator, as well as participating in a testing program using the 2021 MCL35M car. This dual role is a testament to Hirakawa’s versatility and commitment to both his existing drive for Toyota and his new position with McLaren. Notably, he currently leads the Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship alongside his teammates, Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley, who are also the reigning champions of 2022.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Hirakawa shared his excitement about joining the McLaren F1 team. He described it as an “exciting prospect” to work with a highly esteemed team and expressed his gratitude to Zak Brown (CEO of McLaren Racing) and Andrea Stella (Racing Director) for providing him with this remarkable opportunity. Already familiar with the team and having experienced McLaren’s simulator at the McLaren Technology Center (MTC), Hirakawa is eager to hit the ground running and fully dedicate himself to the remainder of the 2023 season.
Acknowledging the collaborative nature of the sport, Hirakawa expressed his gratitude to Toyota Gazoo Racing for allowing him to take on this role with McLaren in addition to his driving duties with Toyota. This cooperation between teams is a testament to the mutual respect and support within the motorsport community. Hirakawa also extended his appreciation to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, who has been instrumental in supporting his career.
McLaren’s Perspective
Team Principal Andrea Stella remarked on the significance of Hirakawa’s inclusion in McLaren Racing, emphasizing the strengthening of their support driver pool. Stella expressed gratitude to Toyota Gazoo Racing for their collaboration and shared his excitement about working closely with Hirakawa. Praising Hirakawa’s impressive track record, including victories at Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship, Stella anticipates that Hirakawa’s wealth of experience will greatly benefit the team across various areas.
A Multifaceted Driver
While this appointment may seem unexpected to some, Hirakawa’s diverse racing background proves his suitability for this role. In addition to his experience in the World Endurance Championship and his new role within Formula 1, Hirakawa is also a participant in Japan’s Super Formula championship, where he achieved the runner-up position in 2020. He has also previously competed in SUPER GT, securing the championship for luxury brand Lexus in 2017. Furthermore, Hirakawa is a former champion of Japan’s F3 championship, demonstrating his proficiency and success in single-seater racing.
McLaren Racing’s acquisition of Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve driver for the Formula 1 team is a significant development in their driver development program. With his impressive track record and multifaceted racing experience, Hirakawa’s addition to the McLaren team promises to bring fresh perspectives and contribute to the team’s ongoing success. As the 2023 season progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how Hirakawa’s role unfolds within the team and the impact he will have on their performance.
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