P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s extensive list of F1 reserve drivers, which has been tinged with controversy of late, will soon include the leftfield addition of Toyota-backed Le Mans 24 Hours winner Ryo Hirakawa
McLaren has added Ryo Hirakawa, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner backed by Toyota, to their Formula 1 reserve driver lineup for 2024.
It is unclear how Hirakawa will fit into McLaren’s existing pool of reserve drivers, which includes Mick Schumacher, Stoffel Vandoorne, Felipe Drugovich, and potentially Pato O’Ward.
Hirakawa’s addition is surprising as he does not fit the typical profile of a young or development driver, being 29 years old and without F1 experience.
However, he brings extensive experience from winning Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship, as well as racing in Japan’s Super Formula series.
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella believes Hirakawa’s experience will be beneficial to the team, although the exact reasons for his inclusion in the lineup are not immediately clear.
Source: The Race
