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Ryo Hirakawa had expected to be emotional on his first lap in a McLaren Formula 1 car, but such was its power and pace that he didn’t have the time.

The experienced Japanese racer joined our Formula 1 team ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, signing as an F1 Reserve Driver as part of our Driver Development programme. He’s since made his long-awaited debut in a Formula 1 car, driving the MCL35M in a private test in Barcelona towards the end of 2023, and is set to test the MCL36 at Paul Ricard this week.

“I went to watch Formula 1 when I was 13 years old, but I never thought it would happen for me, so I was really surprised, but so lucky to be signed as a Reserve Driver,” Ryo says. “The day before I drove the car, I was thinking about the test, and I thought I would be emotional on the first lap, but I wasn't because I was overwhelmed by the power and the downforce.

“I started the day without any knowledge, so it was overwhelming at first, but I got used to the power and the downforce. The team worked so much for me, and in the end, I got a decent lap time, so I am quite happy with that.

“I felt satisfied. It was such a nice car to drive, and I enjoyed the whole day. The time went so quickly, and I was sad that the day finished, but I really, really enjoyed driving, I am honoured.”

During our conversation, Ryo speaks of luck and fortune, but neither has anything to do with it. The Japanese racer has worked tirelessly throughout his career and built up a CV to rival many. His crowning achievement is his 24 Hours of Le Mans victory in 2022, but just as impressive is his work to get there.

He certainly can’t be accused of taking the easy route. After initially making his European racing debut in 2016, in the European Le Mans Series, he had to wait until 2022 for a permanent seat.

During this time, the 2012 Japanese Formula 3 winner amassed multiple honours back in his native Japan, continuing to pick up trophies, wins and podiums in Super Formula and SUPER GT, before joining the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2022, which he won at the first time of asking with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing.

“I think that I have lots of experience,” he continues. “I have a lot of achievements but also many losses, so even though I am not as young as Lando or Oscar, I have a lot of experience, especially in endurance racing. So, I think that I can bring something to help the team. Hopefully, it is a combination, so I can make the team stronger, and they can make me better.”

Described by those who know him as understated and serious but with a mischievous sense of humour, Ryo already spoke fluent English by the time he landed in WEC and slotted in well with the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team, alongside former Formula 1 drivers Sébastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley.

He’ll look to make a similar impact within our Driver Development programme, passing on his experience to junior drivers Bianca Bustamante, Gabriel Bortoleto and Ugo Ugochukwu, while expanding his own skillset.

It’s the latter that’s the priority. Ryo and the team want the partnership to be mutually beneficial, but as a member of the Driver Development programme, the ultimate aim is to improve him as a driver. He’ll get to work with the programme’s Director, Emanuele Pirro, a fellow 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, as well as other members of our F1 racing team. He’ll also gain access to our next-generation simulator and enjoy further F1 testing opportunities.

It was towards the end of the summer in 2023 that our team first reached out to Ryo to enquire about his availability and interest in becoming an F1 Reserve Driver as part of our Driver Development programme, and his response was a straightforward yes.

“Of course it was,” Ryo says. “The team have been very nice. They are trying to improve me as a driver and make me faster. If I ask them questions, they can always answer them, and we have enjoyed a nice relationship so far.

“It is a pleasure to be a Formula 1 Reserve driver, and I will get to do some testing, some sim work and a lot of other preparation with the team.”

Ryo officially began his role as a Reserve driver at the start of 2024, but had already spent some time with the team at races last year and in the private test at Barcelona, the aim of which was to allow him to hit the ground running in his new role.

 “The car has lots of downforce and lots of power,” he continues. “The downforce and the power that comes from the hybrid engine is incredible, it is much more than expected. To cope with it, you need some experience in terms of driving, and we have already made a good step, which I am happy with.

 “The most important thing is to drive it correctly. We have some data we can look at, which can help me. We are looking at many things, such as how I am driving the car, how I am using the downforce and how I’m using the grip.”

Ryo’s started strongly in his new role with the team, and if his first few months are anything to go by, he’ll be a more than valuable addition to our family.