In a form of re-entry to Formula 1, Toyota has made its presence felt once more.
During the Japanese Grand Prix, it was announced by McLaren that Ryo Hirakawa has been enlisted as a reserve driver for the team.
Hirakawa, financially supported by Toyota, is a current competitor in the World Endurance Championship. He pilots Toyota’s premier Hypercar class vehicle, the GR010 Hybrid LMH. In the course of the 2022 season, Hirakawa not only secured a victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans but also clinched the championship title.
Beginning in 2024, Hirakawa will take up the role of a reserve driver with McLaren, while simultaneously maintaining his existing contractual obligations to Toyota in the World Endurance Championship. In this capacity as a reserve, he will stand in for any of McLaren’s Formula 1 drivers who might be incapacitated and unable to participate in a race. To prepare for such an eventuality, reserve drivers regularly undergo testing sessions with the team’s Formula 1 vehicles and contribute to simulator development efforts.
Toyota previously had an active role in Formula 1 from 2002 to 2009, although it did not achieve significant success despite a substantial budget. The global economic downturn in 2009 led to the termination of Toyota’s involvement in Formula 1. Akio Toyoda, the current Chairman of Toyota, has consistently stated that a return to Formula 1 is improbable, as it diverges too much from the company’s production model development goals.
“I will most likely never approve a return to F1 as long as I am in this role,” Toyoda has reiterated to the media on multiple occasions.
Nonetheless, Toyoda has expressed that he doesn’t want drivers who are part of Toyota’s motorsport efforts to forego opportunities in Formula 1. This sentiment was a driving force behind his personal support for Hirakawa’s appointment as a reserve driver at McLaren.
In a statement during the Japanese Grand Prix, Toyoda remarked, “I was the one who made the decision to exit Formula 1. Ever since, I’ve been involved in motorsport in various capacities. Although none of the drivers have articulated this to me directly, I have always sensed their aspiration to be recognized as the best in the world, to pilot the world’s fastest vehicles, and to cultivate their skills through such experiences.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about McLaren Reserve Driver
Who has McLaren signed as their new reserve driver for the Formula 1 team?
McLaren has signed Ryo Hirakawa as a reserve driver for their Formula 1 team, starting in 2024.
What is Ryo Hirakawa’s current role in motorsports?
Ryo Hirakawa currently competes in the World Endurance Championship, driving Toyota’s premier Hypercar class vehicle, the GR010 Hybrid LMH. In the 2022 season, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and secured the championship title.
Will Ryo Hirakawa continue to drive for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship?
Yes, Ryo Hirakawa will maintain his existing commitments to Toyota in the World Endurance Championship while serving as a reserve driver for McLaren’s Formula 1 team.
What are the responsibilities of a reserve driver in Formula 1?
A reserve driver typically fills in for a team’s primary drivers if they are unable to race. Reserve drivers also regularly test the team’s Formula 1 cars to ensure familiarity and readiness for potential races. Additionally, they contribute to simulator development.
When did Toyota last participate in Formula 1?
Toyota was actively involved in Formula 1 from 2002 to 2009. However, the company did not achieve significant success during this period, and its F1 activities were eventually halted.
What is Akio Toyoda’s stance on Toyota returning to Formula 1?
Akio Toyoda, the current Chairman of Toyota, has consistently stated that a return to Formula 1 is unlikely as it diverges from the company’s focus on production model development. He has reiterated that he would not approve a return to F1 during his tenure.
Why did Akio Toyoda support Ryo Hirakawa’s appointment as McLaren’s reserve driver?
Akio Toyoda personally backed Ryo Hirakawa’s bid to become a reserve driver at McLaren because he does not want Toyota-affiliated drivers to miss out on opportunities in Formula 1. He expressed this sentiment during the Japanese Grand Prix.
More about McLaren Reserve Driver
- McLaren Official Announcement
- World Endurance Championship Profile: Ryo Hirakawa
- Toyota Motorsports History
- Akio Toyoda’s Statements on Formula 1
- Overview of Reserve Driver Roles in Formula 1