Reserve driver Hirakawa replaces Ocon for F1 race debut with Haas
MEXICO CITY, October 31 - Haas Formula One team announced on Saturday that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will take Esteban Ocon's place for the upcoming Mexico City Grand Prix. The team's spokesperson confirmed the move was not due to any health issues, but did not provide further details. The FIA has officially approved the change.
Ocon, a French driver, is scheduled to depart Haas at the end of the current season. He will be replaced by Brazilian Rafael Camara, who is set to move up from Formula Two for the 2027 season.
Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, who is 32 years old, will make his Formula One debut alongside Haas. Hirakawa is a two-time world endurance champion and a winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours race with Toyota, a company that has a technical partnership with Ferrari. He participated in the first practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday.
Hirakawa will be paired with Britain's Ollie Bearman for final practice and qualifying on Saturday before the Sunday race.
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