Alpine F1 Team has officially announced the signing of Ryo Hirakawa as their Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season. At 30 years old, the talented Japanese driver is set to play a crucial role in the team’s development efforts, particularly through his work in the simulator and participation in the testing of previous cars, which is referred to as the TPC program.
Alpine has made it clear that they are keen on broadening their talent pool, especially given their existing lineup which includes race drivers Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan. The team’s strategy focuses on enhancing their resources and options for testing and other driving responsibilities throughout the upcoming season. One of the key highlights of Hirakawa’s role will be his participation in Free Practice 1 (FP1) at the Japanese Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be the third race of the 2025 season. This occasion will be particularly special for Hirakawa, as it allows him the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his home fans at one of the most prestigious motorsport events in Japan.
Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Alpine, Hirakawa stated, “It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season. The chance to get behind the wheel of Formula One machinery is the pinnacle for race drivers, and I am especially excited about driving in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix.” He acknowledged the significance of this opportunity and his eagerness to contribute to a successful season alongside the dedicated team members. Hirakawa’s impressive background includes a notable victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022, and he is also a two-time champion in the hypercar category of the FIA World Endurance Championship for the years 2022 and 2023.
Before joining Alpine, Hirakawa held a similar position with the McLaren team, where he debuted in FP1 at the season finale in Abu Dhabi. This race proved to be a landmark event for McLaren, as they celebrated their first constructors’ championship title in 26 years, making Hirakawa’s experience at McLaren invaluable.
Alpine’s team principal, Oliver Oakes, expressed his excitement about bringing Hirakawa into the fold for the upcoming season. “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,” Oakes said. He emphasized the importance of Hirakawa’s diverse racing experience and how it would contribute positively to the team’s roster, enabling them to draw from a wider range of talent during the season.
In his new role, Hirakawa is expected to deliver significant support across various areas of development, particularly through simulator work and contributions to the TPC program. His addition is not just about driving; it is about leveraging his rich racing background and experience in different championships to help the team push forward in a competitive F1 landscape.
Hirakawa’s journey in motorsport has been marked by significant success in endurance racing, earning him respect and recognition within the racing community. His expertise in dealing with high-pressure situations is likely to serve Alpine well, especially as they continue to cultivate a more competitive edge in F1. His prior achievements, including his victory at Le Mans and multiple championships, will undoubtedly provide him with the confidence and skill set necessary to thrive as a test and reserve driver for a prominent team like Alpine.
With the motorsport world ever-evolving and the stakes continually rising, Hirakawa’s role as a test and reserve driver is crucial. It allows him to immerse himself in the world of F1 while also serving as an essential asset for the team. The purpose of a Test and Reserve Driver isn’t solely to fill a spot in case of an emergency; it is also about developing the car and providing insights that may lead to performance improvements throughout the season. Alpine’s decision to onboard Hirakawa is indicative of their commitment to constant development, not just in terms of the car’s performance on track, but also in building a stronger driver lineup capable of adapting and tackling the challenges ahead.
