Ryo Hirakawa is stepping into Esteban Ocon's Haas for the Mexico City Grand Prix. But it is far from certain that he will see out the rest of the F1 season in the car.
Haas caused a stir on Saturday by announcing that Ocon would take no further part in the remainder of the race weekend in Mexico. The team gave no reason for the sudden switch, although it confirmed that Ocon is not ill.
Hirakawa takes over the seat from the third practice session onwards, marking his official Formula 1 debut.
As to the remainder of the season, whilst a return for Ocon looks to be ruled out, Hirakawa is not Haas' regular third driver.
The Japanese was present in Mexico this weekend as reserve and took part in first practice, but Haas already faces a potential headache for next week's São Paulo Grand Prix.
Hirakawa is expected in Monza for the final round of the World Endurance Championship. The 32-year-old races for Toyota, one of Haas' major sponsors.
That opens the door for a recall for Jack Doohan, who is the expected reserve for Brazil and the races that follow in Las Vegas and the Middle East double-header in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Doohan, who started 2025 as Alpine's race driver, lost his seat to Franco Colapinto after only six races. The Australian then came close to landing a permanent seat at Haas.
F1 paddock sources have told RacingNews365 that the Australian made a strong impression during the American outfit's TPC testing, only for the team to opt for Rafael Camara as Ocon's replacement from next season.
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Rafael Camara held back?
With Ocon's earlier-than-planned exit from Haas, some have suggested giving Camara a chance before his official debut in 2027. But the prevailing view in the paddock is that it would be too early to throw the Brazilian in at the deep end.
It could also harm his prospects heading into next season, especially since he is still fighting for the F2 title, with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi still to come.
Haas therefore has another puzzle to solve before the season concludes. Hirakawa gets his chance now, a move that will undoubtedly please Toyota, given the driver's status as one of the Japanese manufacturer's prized assets.
But the odds remain strong that it will be a one-off appearance, with Doohan set to be back in the car next weekend.
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