Haas have confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Hirakawa – who has acted as a reserve driver for the squad since 2025 – participated in Free Practice 1 for the American outfit on Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez before Ocon returned to action during the day’s second practice hour.
On Saturday morning, Haas announced that Hirakawa would take over driving duties for the rest of the weekend in Mexico.
A statement released by the team reads: “TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November.
“Hirakawa (32), a two-time winner of the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022, 2023) and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner (2022) with Toyota GAZOO Racing, participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday 30 October – his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26, finishing 15th overall.
“The Japanese driver will partner team mate Ollie Bearman through final practice and Qualifying on Saturday and Sunday’s 71-lap Grand Prix – Hirakawa’s Formula 1 race debut.
“No further statements will be made at this time.”
