A WEC driver as a reserve at Alpine F1 in 2025
In addition to having signed Franco Colapinto, Alpine has also recruited Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve driver for the next F1 season.
There will be a lot of people in the Alpine F1 ranks in 2025. Pierre Gasly, Jack Doohan, Franco Colapinto, Paul Aron, and now Ryo Hirakawa. The Japanese driver has joined the ranks of the French team as a reserve driver.
The Japanese driver will notably conduct taxiing tests with old single-seaters. The Toyota driver in the world endurance championship will be responsible for developing the 2025 single-seater. He will also take part in the first free practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix.
« It is an honor to join Alpine as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 season. As always, the opportunity to spend time on track behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car represents the pinnacle for drivers », he reacted.
« I am excited about driving in front of my home crowd during Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix, but also working with the team to try out older cars. Working with such a committed team to leverage the full range of experiences of its drivers is a fantastic opportunity, and I am eager to play a role in making 2025 a positive year. »
Ryo Hirakawa, among other achievements, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Toyota in 2022. He was also linked with McLaren and Haas in F1, participating in test sessions with both teams.
« It’s terrific to welcome Ryo to the team for 2025, and it will be equally exciting when we put him in the driver’s seat during FP1 in Japan, in front of his home crowd. His arrival brings a diverse range of experiences to our current group of drivers while expanding the pool of talent at our disposal throughout the season », added Oliver Oakes, team principal.
