Hirakawa, who currently races in both Super Formula and the World Endurance Championship as a Toyota driver, was unveiled as the latest addition to McLaren’s pool of reserve drivers at last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
McLaren stated upon the announcement that the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours winner will join its simulator programme and drive its 2021 car, the MCL35M, as part of his new role.
The news inevitably raises questions of how Hirakawa’s schedule for 2024 will look, with the F1 calendar set to comprise a record-breaking 24 races next year.
As things stand, six of the seven officially confirmed Super Formula dates clash with F1 grands prix, while there are six conflicts with WEC events, including the Le Mans 24 Hours test day that precedes the French endurance classic.
That would leave Hirakawa available for exactly half of the 24 grands prix, but Autosport understands the possibility of Super Formula being dropped from his schedule has been discussed within Toyota - which would potentially free him up for up to 18 races.
McLaren’s press release announcing Hirakawa’s appointment notably confirmed he will continue to race in the WEC, but made no mention of Super Formula.
Source: Autosport