Even fans assumed that Toyota drivers had no shot at F1, until a recent announcement squashed any such concerns. What were Akio's thoughts?
Empathizing with fellow drivers
Akio Toyoda regularly posts personal updates on his Instagram account, akiotoyoda_official, where he also shared his thoughts on Hirakawa’s move.
While Akio spoke of being “troubled” by “reservations” in his response to reporters, he spelled out these sentiments more vividly on Instagram.
akiotoyoda_official instagram
I have no regrets about the decision I made 14 years ago. However, I do feel sorry for the comment I made at the press conference at that time.
"I am delighted that Kamui Kobayashi could participate in the last two races. Although it was only two races, he actually drove in an F1 race and showed that he was a Japanese driver who could compete and win prizes. I feel very sorry that I could not give him a chance to continue after that. Kamui, along with other drivers such as Kazuki Nakajima, are still young, so I hope that they will be given a chance, and I wish to support them in many ways.
Any driver would want to drive a car that will "help them grow more." I have supported Kazuki, Kamui, and many other drivers for such a desire to come true.
Drivers tell me that they wish to "use their improved selves to help make better cars." The growth of the drivers and my goal of "making ever-better cars" now go hand in hand.
I am very happy that Ryo Hirakawa, who is also Kazuki and Kamui's junior, has been given a chance for further growth, and looking forward to supporting him. I would like to thank everyone at McLaren for giving him this opportunity. I hope that Hirakawa will achieve further growth and bring more smiles to McLaren fans, Toyota fans, and motorsports fans alike. Hirakawa, I have high expectations for you!
You are usually a man of few words, but the other day you told me, "I want to help Mr. Morizo's goal of making better cars! " and told me about a specific idea. Let's make it a reality someday!
MORIZO
As a driver, Akio knew the feeling of wanting to drive a car that would help him grow. Yet even though he empathized, as a businessman, he had to make a decision that would put an end to Kazuki Nakajima and Kamui Kobayashi’s dreams—for which Akio has continued to “feel sorry” ever since.
The idea of Akio carrying these feelings with him for 14 years while continuing to work closely with his driving peers is painful to imagine.
Now Kazuki and Kamui’s team member, Ryo Hirakawa, has pried open the door that had once been closed. Looking on, we can only hope that supporting this journey as Morizo will make Akio’s 14 years of anguish at least a little easier…
Morizo’s expectations for Hirakawa
Here is how Hirakawa responded when asked about the path reopening for him.
Hirakawa
I am really thrilled for myself, but we also have many outstanding drivers among the younger guys. I hope that I can keep doing what I always have, while also being conscious that I will be in the position to set an example, with people watching how I drive and conduct myself.
I am nothing but grateful to Morizo for creating this opportunity for me.
Standing beside him, Morizo followed up these words with his warm message, sharing his hopes for Hirakawa and offering encouragement for Kazuki, Kamui, and the younger cohort of drivers.
Morizo
With him showing us how it’s done, I’m sure more Toyota drivers will see this as a possible path and push each other to improve, while Hirakawa continues to grow… As Morizo, I want to continue supporting them.
(Question: Your activities seem to be expanding, with drivers competing in the WEC, WRC, and now F1 as well—do you have any particular strategy to help drivers succeed?)
I want to boost motorsport as a whole, to create paths that lead to the world stage. It’s not a question of this or that category, but rather seizing the chance that we have been given on this occasion.
And then, how do we develop this opportunity? How do we ensure it leads to another? I believe this will depend on Hirakawa, and hope you will continue to follow his journey.
At Suzuka, the two McLarens finished second and third. Hirakawa may have his work cut out trying to claim a regular spot.
At the press conference, however, when asked whether it was true that his simulator times were on par with the regular drivers, Hirakawa answered: “To be honest, at first I was quite slow, two or three seconds behind. But, after receiving a thorough briefing on the car and the tires, I managed to improve my times until they were basically the same. I even surprised myself.”
Toyota Times will continue to follow Hirakawa’s journey closely as we hope to see him racing in F1.
Three question marks remain
Three mysteries still remain unsolved: First, will Toyota return to F1? Second, will there be any product development collaboration with McLaren? Although reporters raised these questions several times, as ever, Morizo insisted he had no intention of rejoining the competition.
Morizo
You will have to ask President Sato about that. Since I am no longer in an executive position (at the company)…
At the same time, as Morizo, I can now focus more on making ever-better cars through motorsports, so (from that perspective) I am certainly in a position to make myself heard within Toyota.
The third mystery relates to the last part of Akio’s Instagram comment: “You are usually a man of few words, but the other day you told me, ‘I want to help Mr. Morizo's goal of making better cars!’ and told me about a specific idea. Let's make it a reality someday!”
What idea did Hirakawa suggest to Morizo? That too remains to be seen.