Ocon replaced by Hirakawa for Mexico City Grand Prix weekend
An announcement from Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will be replaced by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. This announcement follows Hirakawa's participation in Friday's FP1 session as part of the FIA's initiative to have teams run a rookie driver in at least three free practice sessions over the course of a season.
In Friday's FP1 session, Hirakawa finished in 15th with the best lap-time of 1:19.982. He has now represented the team in three previous outings in 2026, adding to the four sessions he took part in last season.
Outside of F1, the Japanese driver has an extensive record in motorsports as a driver for Toyota Gazoo Racing in the World Endurance Championship. With three championship titles, including back to back wins in 2022 and 2023, he will be sure to bring his wealth of experience to Haas this weekend.
Hirakawa, who has served as Haas' reserve driver since 2025, will make his F1 debut this weekend. The Japanese driver's debut will make him the oldest rookie driver since Andre Lotterer in 2014 when he represented Caterham at the Belgian Grand Prix. Partnering Hirakawa will be Oliver Bearman who he has previously shared the track with on previous rookie FP1 sessions.
Ocon, who will be departing from the team at the end of the season and replaced by Rafael Camara from the start of 2027, has made no comments about the situation. However, many have drawn parallels from this situation to his departure from Alpine at the end of the 2024 season where he missed the final Grand Prix held at the Yas Marina Circuit.
When announcing Hirakawa's particiaption for the remainder of the weekend, Haas stated that "no further statements will be made at this time."
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