Just In: McLaren announce driver REPLACEMENT ahead of Abu Dhabi…read more
McLaren announce driver REPLACEMENT ahead of Abu Dhabi…read more
McLaren has confirmed a major driver change ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season. With the team vying for their first constructors’ championship since 1998, the decision marks a strategic move as they prepare for a critical showdown at the Yas Marina Circuit.
The team entered the championship battle with high hopes following a stellar performance at the Qatar Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris secured an impressive 1-2 finish in the Sprint Race, keeping McLaren in the lead. However, the main race saw Norris penalized with a 10-second stop/go penalty for failing to reduce speed under yellow flags. This setback pushed Norris down to a P10 finish, and despite Piastri claiming a podium spot, McLaren’s lead in the standings shrank to just 21 points over Ferrari.
With everything on the line, McLaren has announced that Oscar Piastri will sit out the first practice session in Abu Dhabi. The team’s statement revealed that Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa will take the wheel of the MCL38 during the 60-minute session. This move fulfills the FIA’s Sporting Regulations, which require teams to run rookie drivers in two Free Practice sessions during the season.
Hirakawa’s debut marks a significant milestone in his motorsport career. The 30-year-old is best known for his achievements in endurance racing, where he clinched the 24 Hours of Le Mans title in 2022 and secured consecutive World Endurance Championship victories in 2022 and 2023 with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. He also boasts a Super GT GT500 championship from 2017 and a runner-up finish in Super Formula in 2020. Hirakawa has prior experience with McLaren, having participated in private tests with the MCL35M and MCL36 in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The practice session in Abu Dhabi will be McLaren’s second rookie outing of the season. Earlier, IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward piloted the MCL38 during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend. O’Ward is also set to participate in the Young Driver Test scheduled for December 10, further showcasing McLaren’s commitment to developing emerging talent.
As the constructors’ championship battle heads into its decisive round, McLaren will be keen to capitalize on every opportunity to secure the title. The inclusion of Hirakawa adds an exciting twist to a weekend already brimming with high stakes and anticipation.
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