Ryo Hirakawa secured a point on his Formula 1 Grand Prix debut at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, prompting a statement from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda. Hirakawa, a Toyota-backed driver, was unexpectedly called upon by the TGR Haas F1 Team to replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the event.
The Japanese driver, aged 32, became the oldest F1 newcomer since André Lotterer in 2014. He had initially participated in the first free practice session for Haas before his sudden promotion to a race seat.
Esteban Ocon’s removal from the Mexico City Grand Prix was confirmed by Haas on Saturday morning. The team stated that Ocon’s sidelining was not due to illness.
Reports indicated that Ocon’s replacement stemmed from a ‘difference in viewpoints’ and a discussion following Friday’s second practice session. This disagreement reportedly involved a change to his tyre strategy.
Ocon publicly addressed the situation, rejecting claims of ‘physical violence’ but acknowledging a disagreement with the team. Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu declined to provide further details on the matter.
Hirakawa qualified 19th, starting 18th due to grid penalties. He finished the race 13th on track. Post-race penalties for Oscar Piastri and both Alpine drivers, Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly, elevated Hirakawa to 10th position, securing his maiden F1 point.
The Mexico City Grand Prix was won by Max Verstappen, with Kimi Antonelli finishing third to clinch his first world title.
Toyota’s involvement with Haas intensified in 2026, with the team officially rebranded as TGR Haas F1 Team. This title partnership followed a technical collaboration initiated in October 2024.
The partnership includes the ‘TGR Haas Driver Development Program,’ which provides Formula 1 experience to Toyota-backed drivers and engineers. Akio Toyoda expressed his long-held ambition to see a Toyota driver compete in F1 since the manufacturer’s departure in 2009.
Hirakawa’s extensive racing background includes two FIA World Endurance Championship titles in 2022 and 2023, along with a 24 Hours of Le Mans victory in 2022, all with Toyota. He currently leads the 2026 WEC standings.
His prior F1 experience includes seven free practice sessions for Haas in 2025 and 2026, in addition to FP1 appearances for McLaren in 2024 and Alpine in 2025.
Esteban Ocon is scheduled to depart Haas at the conclusion of the 2026 season, with Rafael Camara confirmed as his replacement for 2027. It is considered improbable that Ocon will compete for Haas again this season.
Ryo, congratulations on your F1 debut! And most of all, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Ever since Toyota withdrew from F1 in 2009, there has been a feeling I have carried with me. I wanted to see a Toyota driver race in F1 again. That was a dream I had quietly held in my heart for 17 years.
Toyoda’s statement highlighted Hirakawa’s perseverance and dedication, noting his continued preparation despite an uncertain path to Formula 1.
