Alpine F1 adds Hirakawa to 2025 test and reserve driver roster

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The Alpine F1 team has announced the addition of Ryō Hirakawa to its roster of test and reserve drivers for the 2025 season.

The 30-year-old Japanese driver, renowned for his exceptional versatility and experience across multiple racing disciplines, will contribute to the Enstone squad’s development and on-track activities throughout the year.

As part of his responsibilities, Hirakawa will participate in Alpine’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, focusing on car development and honing technical insights through extensive simulator work.

A major highlight of his role will be his scheduled appearance in Free Practice 1 at the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4th at Suzuka.

Hirakawa brings an impressive pedigree to the French outfit. His illustrious career spans Super Formula, Super GT, and Endurance racing.

Read also: Colapinto set for move to Alpine, but Doohan safe… for now

Notably, he claimed overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and went on to secure back-to-back Hypercar Championships in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2022 and 2023.

“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,” commented Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes.

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“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.

“His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC programme and simulator work, and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the team as we press ahead with preparations for the new season.”

F1 Experience and Dual Commitments

Hirakawa’s association with Alpine marks an exciting development in his career, which already includes Formula 1 testing experience with McLaren and Haas in both 2023 and 2024.

It is an honour to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team as a Test and Reserve Driver for the 2025 season,” he said.

“As always, the opportunity of track time in Formula One 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.”

While joining Alpine, Hirakawa will remain a key figure in Toyota’s Hypercar programme in the WEC, where he will continue to compete at the highest level.

His ties to the Japanese manufacturer highlight his ability to juggle commitments across racing platforms, showcasing his adaptability and professionalism.

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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.