Hirakawa Makes F1 Debut for Haas, Replacing Ocon

Japanese reserve driver Yuki Hirakawa will make his Formula 1 debut for Haas F1 Team at the upcoming Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon who is sidelined with a back injury. The move was confirmed by Reuters and Sportstar on Monday, marking a historic moment as Hirakawa becomes the first Japanese driver to race for Haas.

Hirakawa, who has been competing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship and has shown strong performances in the FIA Formula 2 series, has been a long‑time reserve driver for the team. His promotion comes as Haas prepares to fight for points in a season where every position counts. The team’s management expressed confidence in his ability to adapt quickly to the demands of a full‑season F1 car, citing his impressive speed in testing sessions.

Esteban Ocon, who has been a regular in the Haas lineup since 2020, will miss the race due to a back injury sustained during the previous weekend’s practice. Ocon’s absence opens a rare opportunity for Hirakawa to showcase his talent on the world’s biggest racing stage. The Japanese driver will need to navigate the challenges of a new car, unfamiliar teammates, and the pressure of a debut, but his recent results in lower formulas suggest he is ready for the step up.

For Indian fans, the race will be available to stream on FanCode from 4:00 PM IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. The event will also be broadcast on Star Sports 1 and 2, providing multiple viewing options. The debut is scheduled to take place at the Indian Grand Prix (if the calendar includes it) or at the next available track, giving Indian viewers a chance to see a new driver in action from the comfort of their homes.

Source: Reuters, Sportstar