A Le Mans winner and two-time world endurance champion is getting his first Formula 1 race start. Ryō Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon at Haas for the rest of the Mexico weekend.
Ryō Hirakawa is set to make his Formula 1 race debut at the Mexican Grand Prix after Haas confirmed he will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the weekend.
The 32-year-old Japanese reserve driver will partner Ollie Bearman through Saturday’s final practice and qualifying, followed by Sunday’s 71-lap race. His opportunity comes with an established record elsewhere: Hirakawa won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 and the World Endurance Championship in both 2022 and 2023 with Toyota. Haas announcement
Friday practice becomes a race opportunity
Hirakawa already has experience of this year’s Haas at the circuit. He completed 30 laps in Friday’s opening practice, finishing 15th with a best time of 1:19.982 on medium tires.
It was his third scheduled FP1 appearance of the season, following outings in Austria and Hungary. He came away encouraged by the car’s progress.
“I’m really happy to feel the step in terms of performance since I drove in Budapest,” Hirakawa said afterward. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said his feedback supported the regular drivers’ assessment that the updated car had become more consistent and predictable. Haas Friday report
FIA approves the switch
The stewards have approved Hirakawa’s participation under car number 50, subject to the required scrutineering checks.
He must use the engine and tires allocated to Ocon, rather than receive a fresh allocation because of the driver change.
Haas has not explained why Ocon will miss the remainder of the weekend. Its announcement covers Mexico and states that no further statements will be made at this time. Haas announcement
