JANUARY 9, 2025

Hirakawa joins Alpine as F1 Reserve Driver

Japanese racing star Ryo Hirakawa has joined Alpine’s Formula 1 team as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season. The two-time World Endurance Champion and Le Mans 24 Hours winner will bring a wealth of experience to Alpine as the team looks to enhance its car development programme.

Hirakawa, 30, will play a key role in Alpine’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme and support the team’s simulator operations. He is also set to make a high-profile appearance at his home race, participating in Free Practice 1 during the Japanese Grand Prix in April.

Having previously worked with McLaren and Toyota, Hirakawa most recently tested Haas’ 2024 F1 car in December. His addition strengthens Alpine’s reserve driver line-up, which also features Formula 2 race winner Paul Aron.

Alpine’s team principal Oliver Oakes praised Hirakawa’s diverse experience, emphasizing his importance in car development efforts. For 2025, Alpine’s full-time line-up includes Pierre Gasly and F2 graduate Jack Doohan, who replaces Esteban Ocon in the team.

Ryo Hirakawa, It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season. As always, the opportunity of track time in Formula One 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 utilises the breadth of experience of its driver pool and I look forward to playing a part in making 2025 a positive year together.

Oliver Oakes, Team Principal, It is great to bring Ryō 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. 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 programme and simulator work, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.