Ryo Hirakawa is set to make his Formula 1® race debut with Haas at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, stepping in to replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the event. This marks a significant milestone in Hirakawa’s extensive motorsport career, as he takes the step into the pinnacle of single-seater racing at the age of 32.
Hirakawa’s racing journey began in karting in Japan, progressing through the ranks to become the Japanese Formula 3 champion in 2012. He then competed in Super Formula from 2013 to 2021 and secured the Super GT GT500 class title in 2017. Since 2022, he has been a key driver in the World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class with Toyota Gazoo Racing, winning the Drivers’ Championship in both 2022 and 2023 alongside Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley. His endurance racing success also includes consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Before joining Haas, Hirakawa was involved in Formula 1® through roles with McLaren and Alpine. He entered McLaren’s Driver Development programme in 2023 and served as a reserve driver, participating in several Free Practice 1 sessions during 2024. In 2025, he moved to Alpine as a test and reserve driver, including FP1 appearances such as at the Japanese Grand Prix, before switching to Haas. He has completed multiple FP1 sessions with Haas in 2025 and 2026, gaining valuable experience ahead of his race debut.
At 32 years old, Hirakawa is the oldest driver to debut in Formula 1® since Andre Lotterer in 2014. His qualifying effort for the Mexico City Grand Prix placed him 19th on the grid for his maiden race. This opportunity follows Haas’s decision to replace Esteban Ocon for the event, providing Hirakawa with his first full race weekend in the category.
Hirakawa’s path to Formula 1® is notable for its diversity and success across different racing disciplines. His achievements in Japanese single-seaters and GT racing, combined with his recent endurance racing titles, highlight a broad skill set that he now brings to the Formula 1® paddock. His experience with multiple teams as a reserve and test driver has also helped him acclimate to the demands of Formula 1® machinery and race weekends.
This debut underlines Haas’s willingness to integrate experienced drivers with varied backgrounds into their lineup. Hirakawa’s arrival adds a fresh dynamic to the team’s driver roster, while also reflecting the increasingly global nature of the sport. His involvement in the World Endurance Championship and previous roles with McLaren and Alpine demonstrate the interconnected pathways leading to Formula 1® opportunities.
Ryo Hirakawa’s debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix is a clear example of how persistence and versatility in motorsport can open doors to Formula 1®. His career trajectory, marked by success in multiple series and steady progression through reserve roles, culminates in this race seat opportunity with Haas. The weekend’s qualifying session and race will provide further insight into how his extensive racing experience translates to the Formula 1® environment.