Amidst recent reports that Jack Doohan only has the first six rounds to prove his worth and keep his seat for the rest of the season, Ryō Hirakawa has joined Alpine as one of their two F1 test and reserve drivers in 2025. The Japanese will share the responsibilities with the former Mercedes junior driver Paul Aron, who finished third in Formula 2 last year.
After completing his maiden free practice run with McLaren in Abu Dhabi last year, the 30-year-old also participated in the post-season testing with Haas.
Hirakawa will find himself behind the wheel of the Alpine F1 car again in April when he participates in an FP1 session on his home turf at the Japanese GP.
Ryō Hirakawa brings a wealth of experience to the Alpine F1 team
Already having made his mark on several single-seater and endurance racing categories, Hirakawa now brings his extensive motorsport experience to Alpine as a reserve driver.
Emerging victorious in the Super GT GT500 series in 2017, the Hiroshima native finished runner-up in Super Formula in 2020.
Furthermore, Hirakawa has competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship in the Hypercar class since 2022. He captured the attention of many after winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans on his debut and securing the championship title for Toyota in 2022 and 2023.
Hirakawa to take part in Alpine TPC programme as reserve driver
While Hirakawa served as a development driver for McLaren in 2024 prior to joining the French outfit, his responsibility at Alpine will include taking part in the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme. With an active role in the team’s simulator, he is expected to support the team with car development and technical insight throughout the season.
Given F1’s restrictions on testing of current machinery, the TPC programme has gained relevance on the grid since it permits teams to gather crucial data by running drivers, who are not competing in F1, in cars at least two years old.
Ryō Hirakawa, on joining Alpine F1, said:
“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 1 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, the team principal of BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team, commented:
“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.”
Esteban Ocon parted ways with Alpine at the end of 2024. Consequently, their 2025 driver line-up will comprise Pierre Gasly, who will race for the Enstone-based team for a third season, and Jack Doohan, the former F3 championship runner-up and F2 race winner.
