Alpine has added Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa as a test and reserve driver for the 2025 Formula 1 season, with plans to run him in FP1 at the Japanese Grand Prix in April.

The Japanese driver, who previously served as a reserve driver for McLaren in 2024 and participated in Abu Dhabi's FP1 and young driver test with Haas, will join Paul Aron in handling simulator and Testing of Previous Car (TPC) duties for Alpine.

"It is an honor to be joining BWT Alpine Formula 1 team," said Hirakawa. "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."

Team Principal Oliver Oakes highlighted Hirakawa's diverse racing background in WEC, Super Formula, and Super GT as valuable assets for the team. "His role will be important in providing the team with support in various areas of development through our TPC program and simulator work," Oakes stated.

The move marks the end of Hirakawa's association with McLaren, while his future involvement with Haas remains undefined. Haas is expected to run Ritomo Miyata during their upcoming TPC program.

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