Ryo Hirakawa finished his first Formula 1 race in Mexico City in the points after post-race penalties moved him from 13th to 10th. The 32-year-old Japanese driver had been called up by Haas on Saturday to replace Esteban Ocon. His next appearance remained unconfirmed as he reflected on completing the race. He had originally been scheduled to race for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship.
Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa completed his Formula 1 debut with Haas, the American racing team, in the points at the Mexico City Grand Prix. He crossed the line 13th in Sunday’s 71-lap race, then rose to tenth after time penalties for Oscar Piastri and Alpine drivers Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly.[1], [2]
Haas called up the 32-year-old on Saturday morning to replace Esteban Ocon. Hirakawa had already taken part in the opening practice session as a designated rookie. After another hour of practice he qualified 19th, gaining one starting position because Liam Lawson received a penalty.[1]
His priority was to finish and learn. Hirakawa said the long approach to the first corner, with cars around him, had made the opening lap demanding. He felt he had left too much margin at the start in his determination to complete the race.[1]
Hirakawa described the first stint as difficult because Haas lacked pace. He tried to learn from the other drivers, then felt more confident after the safety car and passed two cars on C5 tyres. His comments celebrating the finish came before the penalties moved him into the points. Haas had yet to confirm its Brazil line-up; Hirakawa’s original programme was with Toyota in the World Endurance Championship, where the title remained undecided.[1]
