F1 / Mexico City GP

Ryo Hirakawa joins Ollie Bearman for his Formula 1 race debut.

AI-assisted editorial illustration; not an event photograph.

Haas has confirmed that reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. The change puts Hirakawa alongside Ollie Bearman for his Formula 1 race debut.

The team announced the switch on 31 October, covering Saturday’s final practice and qualifying sessions and Sunday’s 71-lap race. Hirakawa had already driven in Friday’s first practice, finishing 15th in his third VF-26 practice appearance of the season.

The Japanese driver brings World Endurance Championship titles from 2022 and 2023 and a 2022 Le Mans victory to his first Grand Prix start.

Haas’s statement does not give a reason for Ocon’s replacement. It confirms a change for this weekend; it does not announce a permanent departure from the team.

Source: Haas official driver update. Checked 1 November 2026.