Hirakawa replaces Doohan at Alpine for Japanese GP FP1 outing

Ryo Hirakawa to Make Alpine Debut in Japanese GP FP1

Alpine has confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa will take the wheel of Jack Doohan’s car for the opening practice session of the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The decision to replace Doohan comes as part of the FIA’s regulations, which stipulate that teams must field a driver with no more than two Grand Prix starts during two FP1 sessions.

Hirakawa’s Excitement for F1 Debut

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Suzuka circuit, Hirakawa expressed his eagerness to join the ranks of Formula 1 drivers. "I’m very excited, I can’t wait to drive the A525 in Free Practice 1 this weekend," he said in a team statement. His journey in motorsport traces back to his childhood, with poignant memories of first watching the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji in 2007. "Since then, I started my racing career, and now to drive during the weekend is going to be a dream come true," Hirakawa exclaimed.

Background on Ryo Hirakawa

Hirakawa’s move to Alpine follows a stint as a reserve driver with Mclaren last season, where he made his F1 weekend debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP. This season, he has committed to Alpine, partly because of better prospects for a future race seat, given that McLaren’s current lineup includes established talents Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Gaining Valuable Experience

Jack Doohan, who has faced significant pressure as a rookie driver with Alpine, acknowledged Hirakawa’s experience at Suzuka as a valuable asset. "He has a lot of experience here, so it will be good to take some of that knowledge for the weekend," he remarked. Hirakawa’s familiarity with the Suzuka track comes from a decade-long career in Japan’s Super Formula series, where he competed at high speeds and faced fierce competition.

A Champion’s Credentials

Ryo Hirakawa isn’t just any reserve driver; he’s a double champion in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Toyota, boasting a remarkable victory at the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours, marking the start of the championship’s Hypercar era. His ongoing relationship with Toyota also offers him additional opportunities, as he serves as an unofficial reserve driver for Haas through their technical collaboration.

Preparing for Success

Hirakawa has put in significant groundwork ahead of his debut, including simulator work at Alpine’s headquarters in Enstone. "I’ve got everything prepared," he commented. "Hopefully the weather is good, and I will enjoy it while doing my best for the team." His hope is to contribute to the car’s setup and leverage his experience effectively during the limited practice session.

As excitement builds in anticipation of the Japanese Grand Prix, Hirakawa’s performance in FP1 could be pivotal, not only for his career trajectory but also for Alpine as they navigate a challenging season. Fans and team members alike will be keenly watching this rising star take to the track at Suzuka.