Key Highlights
- Ryo Hirakawa paid £2.5 million to drive Oscar Piastri’s McLaren car at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- Hirakawa drove for McLaren in FP1 and participated in two Testing of Previous Car (TPC) events.
- The payment was revealed during a court case between McLaren and Alex Palou.
- Hirakawa has experience from racing in various championships, including FIA World Endurance Championship.
Royal Driver’s Exorbitant Fee for a Grand Prix Practice Session
Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa recently made headlines when he paid an eye-watering £2.5 million to drive Oscar Piastri’s McLaren F1 car during the final practice session (FP1) of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The transaction, which was revealed in a court case between McLaren and Alex Palou, has sparked interest among motorsport enthusiasts for its sheer scale.
McLaren’s Decision to Allow a Substitute Driver
The move by McLaren to include Hirakawa as a substitute driver is not without precedent. Earlier this year, during the Japanese Grand Prix, he drove for Alpine in FP1 and has since been announced as a reserve driver for Haas F1 Team. His involvement was also seen at the Bahrain GP just weeks after his time with Alpine.
McLaren’s decision to allow Hirakawa to drive Piastri’s car highlights the team’s strategic flexibility, particularly in light of their ongoing contract disputes and performance considerations.
Hirakawa’s Racing Experience
Ryo Hirakawa is no stranger to high-level racing. With a diverse background spanning multiple championships, he brings valuable experience to any team. Among his accomplishments, Hirakawa won the Super GT GT500 in 2017 and finished second in the Super Formula standings in 2020. He also secured victories with Toyota Gazoo Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship alongside Brendon Hartley and Sebastien Buemi.
Financial Context of the Transaction
The £2.5 million payment to Hirakawa is significant within the context of professional motorsport, where budgets can run into millions for drivers and team resources. The transaction was part of a larger legal dispute between McLaren and Alex Palou, wherein the latter walked away from a contract with the team after signing an agreement to represent them in IndyCar.
Hirakawa’s involvement at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix underscores the financial intricacies and strategic decisions that teams must navigate. The move not only provides valuable data for McLaren but also demonstrates their willingness to explore different avenues when it comes to driver availability and performance optimization.
