McLaren hands Abu Dhabi FP1 session to Rio Hirakawa

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McLaren-affiliated Japanese driver Rio Hirakawa will make his competitive Formula 1 debut when he takes part in next weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix opening practice session.

Hirakawa's presence in FP1 will complete McLaren's mandatory requirement to run two rookies in two practice sessions over the course of the season.

Arrow McLaren's Pato O'Ward fulfilled the team's first requirement at the Mexican Grand Prix and will also be seen in action with team papaya at Yas Marina in Formula 1's post-season test on Tuesday, 10 December.

Hirakawa, a seasoned 30-year-old driver, joined McLaren Racing's Driver Development Program in September 2023 as a reserve driver.

He has been instrumental in the team's simulator development at the McLaren Technology Centre, contributing his extensive experience and expertise.

Read also: Stella calls for McLaren to 'raise the bar', aim higher in 2025

Hirakawa has also had the opportunity to test McLaren's F1 cars in private, driving the MCL35M in 2023 and the MCL36 in 2024.

Renowned for his prowess in endurance racing, the Japanese charger clinched the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and secured back-to-back World Endurance Championship titles with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing in 2022 and 2023.

Additionally, he achieved Super GT GT500 championship glory in 2017 and was the Super Formula runner-up in 2020.

O'Ward joined McLaren's F1 Reserve Driver program in 2024, solidifying his connection with the team after joining Arrow McLaren in 2020.

Similar to Hirakawa, O'Ward plays a crucial role in simulator development and has driven older McLaren F1 cars in private testing. He has also participated in three FP1 sessions.

The IndyCar star has spent five successful seasons with Arrow McLaren, culminating in the 2024 season with three race wins, two podium finishes, and a remarkable second-place result at the prestigious Indy 500.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.