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McLaren name 24 Hours of Le Mans winner as new F1 reserve driver
In 2022, Hirakawa, alongside Buemi and Hartley, emerged as the winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Currently leading in the Hyperclass class of the World Endurance Championship for Toyota, he will continue to juggle his responsibilities with McLaren next year. As part of McLaren’s driver development program, Hirakawa will be involved in simulator and testing tasks for the 2021 MCL35M. In addition to his achievements in endurance racing, he has also competed in the Super Formula series in Japan. McLaren’s plans for the future as an F1 reserve driver may have shifted after the failed deal with two-time INDYCAR champion Alex Palou, potentially opening up opportunities for Pato O’Ward, pending the acquisition of a superlicence. Furthermore, with access to Mercedes’ third driver Mick Schumacher, McLaren’s reserve driver options could extend beyond their recent agreement with Aston Martin, which involved Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich for the first 15 rounds of this year, potentially revisiting a similar arrangement in 2024.
Source: Crash
