When Haas announced that reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa would replace veteran Esteban Ocon for the final practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, few expected the Japanese racer to make his race debut that weekend. Yet the team’s decision paid off, as Hirakawa not only started the race but also earned his first Formula 1 point.
From practice to the grid
Hirakawa took part in Friday’s first practice (FP1) to satisfy one of Haas’s four required rookie sessions. After Ocon was sidelined for undisclosed reasons, the team moved Hirakawa into the VF‑26 for the final practice (FP3) and kept him in the car for the remainder of the weekend.
Qualifying and race performance
In qualifying, Hirakawa was eliminated in Q1 and posted an 18th‑place time, which became his starting position on Sunday. He ran a steady race, climbing to 13th before a late‑stage incident forced Oliver Bearman’s teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, into the back of Bearman’s car, prompting Bearman’s retirement.
Post‑race penalties reshape the results
After the checkered flag, stewards handed penalties to Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto for separate infractions. Each driver was demoted several places in the final classification. Those adjustments moved Hirakawa up to tenth place, awarding him a single championship point in his very first Grand Prix start.
What’s next for Hirakawa and Haas?
The promotion to a points‑scoring position has sparked speculation about whether Hirakawa will return to the cockpit for the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil. Team principal Guenther Steiner praised the young driver’s composure, noting that his performance demonstrated depth in the Haas driver lineup.
For fans of Formula 1 and supporters of emerging talent, Hirakawa’s debut underscores the importance of giving reserve drivers real‑race experience. As the season heads toward its final stretch, the Haas squad will look to build on this momentum and continue delivering competitive results.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
