Japanese Rookie Ryo Hirakawa Makes Haas Debut at Mexico City Grand Prix
Ryo Hirakawa’s surprise call‑up to Haas for the Mexico City GP is a dream realised, marking his first appearance in a Formula 1 race.
Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa confirmed that his late‑season call‑up to the Haas F1 Team for the Mexico City Grand Prix was “a dream come true”. The 27‑year‑old, who has spent most of his career in Super GT and the FIA World Endurance Championship, stepped into the #47 car for the race after Haas needed a replacement for the unwell Kevin Magnussen.
Hirakawa explained that the opportunity arrived only a few days before the event, leaving him with limited time to adapt to the V6‑turbo hybrid machinery. Despite the short notice, the Japanese driver said the team’s engineers and crew made the transition as smooth as possible, providing him with a comprehensive brief on the car’s setup and the high‑altitude conditions of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
The debut comes at a crucial juncture for Haas, which has been battling to score points throughout the 2024 season. While the team’s performance has been modest, the addition of a fresh, internationally‑experienced driver could inject new data and morale. Hirakawa, who has previously tested a 2022 F1 car with Haas during pre‑season testing, highlighted the steep learning curve but remained optimistic about contributing to the team’s development program.For Indian fans, the Mexico City Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, starting at 02:00 IST on Sunday. The race will also be streamed on the official F1 TV app, which offers a free trial for new users in India. Viewers can watch Hirakawa’s debut alongside the usual F1 action, including the battle for pole position and the strategic pit‑stop drama that often defines the high‑altitude circuit.
Hirakawa’s entry also adds a new narrative for the Indian audience, as he joins a growing list of Asian drivers making their mark in the sport. His presence may spark increased interest in motorsport across Japan and India, especially with the upcoming Indian Grand Prix discussions gaining momentum.
Source: Formula1.com