Toyota is already preparing its contingencies for the World Endurance Championship driver market, as Motorsport.com reports. The Japanese manufacturer is eyeing a potential reshuffle if Ryo Hirakawa makes the jump to Formula 1 with Haas.
Haas is currently weighing up its 2027 plans as it looks for a replacement for Esteban Ocon, who is leaving the squad at the end of the year. Hirakawa, who serves as a Haas reserve driver and has completed several tests this year through the team's Testing of Previous Cars programme run alongside technical partner Toyota, is one of three drivers shortlisted. The 32-year-old is joined in the running by Ferrari reserve Rafael Camara and reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornali, with F2 points leader Camara currently viewed as the favourite for the seat alongside Oliver Bearman.
Should the 2022 Le Mans 24 Hours winner Hirakawa depart for F1, Toyota technical director David Floury confirmed that promoting Toyota junior Esteban Masson to the Hypercar squad would be the "logical choice". Masson is already being groomed for a future graduation and drove the GR010 Hybrid at the Bahrain rookie test before testing the upgraded TR010 Hybrid at the Le Mans test day. Currently fighting for the title in the European Le Mans Series, the Frenchman also boasts two LMP2 podiums at Le Mans.
Toyota has traditionally maintained one Japanese driver in each of its two WEC cars, with team principal and driver Kamui Kobayashi in the #7 TR010 Hybrid and Hirakawa leading the #8 car after replacing Kazuki Nakajima. While Floury stressed the importance of having representation from their home nation, he did not rule out fielding a line-up without a Japanese driver next year if necessary, noting that Toyota currently lacks other Japanese candidates ready to step into Hypercar at short notice.
Despite Hirakawa's age and limited international single-seater experience making him a left-field choice for grand prix racing, Floury expressed complete confidence in his readiness. Citing Hirakawa's extensive background in Super Formula and private F1 testing with Haas, McLaren, and Alpine, Floury stated he has "no concerns" about the driver's ability to adapt. Meanwhile, further changes loom for the Cologne-based team, with Kevin Estre set to join from Porsche on a loan basis to replace Mike Conway, who is expected to depart after 12 seasons, while rumours linking Ocon to a Toyota WEC seat have been dismissed as wide of the mark.
