MCLAREN SIGN LE MANS WINNER HIRAKAWA AS F1 RESERVE FOR 2024

Toyota Gazoo Racing

McLaren have signed Japan's 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa as a Formula One reserve driver for next season, the team announced on Friday.

The 29-year-old won last year's Le Mans with New Zealand's Brendon Hartley and Switzerland's Sebastien Buemi as well as the endurance world championship with Toyota, a series the trio currently lead in the Hypercar category.

McLaren said Hirakawa would support them in the simulator as well as track testing while continuing to race for Toyota in world endurance.

INDYCAR LEADER PALOU IN NEW CONTRACT ROW OVER 2024

USA TODAY Sports 

A fresh row over 2021 champion Alex Palou's IndyCar future flared up on Saturday after his Chip Ganassi Racing team reacted angrily to McLaren boss Zak Brown saying the Spaniard was reneging on a deal to join his outfit next year.

Palou's apparently now ex-management also chipped in, saying they were "bitterly disappointed" by the 26-year-old driver's decision.

"Anyone that knows me knows that I don't make a habit of commenting about contract situations," team owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement.

"Subsequently, I have been quiet since day one of this story but now I feel I must respond. I grew up respecting the McLaren team and their success. The new management does not get my same respect."