Mclaren signs Nakajima and Hirakawa as reserve drivers
The Woking team made an exciting announcement on Friday regarding their 2024 lineup. Former Williams driver, Nakajima, is set to join the team as a reserve driver, while Hirakawa, the 2022 Le Mans winner, will also take on a reserve driver role, along with a simulator and testing position.
The decision has caused quite a stir in the paddock, especially considering the recent speculation about Toyota Motor Corporation’s potential return to Formula 1. Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, who is known as Morizo for his own racing activities, was seen at the McLaren announcement, leaving fans and experts wondering about the connection between the two events.
Nakajima’s comments further fueled the speculation, as he left the door open by suggesting that the decision is valid “for now”. This has only added to the excitement surrounding the news, and many are eagerly waiting to see how this situation unfolds.
While McLaren’s announcement has sparked rumors and discussions, it is important to note that there has been no official confirmation or indication that this deal with Nakajima and Hirakawa is a precursor to Toyota’s return to Formula 1. Only time will tell if these developments are somehow connected or if they are independent decisions by the respective parties.