Yuki Hirakawa’s surprise debut in Mexico: How the Japanese rookie fared in his first F1 outing

Yuki Hirakawa made an unexpected appearance at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, stepping into the Red Bull Racing 2‑seat for the weekend after a last‑minute driver shuffle. The 22‑year‑old Japanese talent, who has been a standout in Formula 2 and the FIA Formula 3 Championship, became the first Japanese driver to race for the Red Bull junior programme in Formula 1. Autosport’s race report highlighted that Hirakawa qualified 18th out of 20, a modest but respectable position given his limited time in the car.

Performance on the track

During the race, Hirakawa managed to stay out of the early chaos that claimed several midfield cars. He ran a steady, damage‑free stint, capitalising on the high‑altitude conditions of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to keep his tyres in the optimal window. He finished 15th, five places ahead of his teammate, and earned his first championship points – a notable achievement for a driver making his debut without any prior free‑practice data.

Hirakawa’s pace was especially impressive in the mid‑race phase, where he posted lap times within a second of the established midfield drivers. The Autosport article noted his smooth braking into Turn 2 and a confident line through the famous "Curva del Sol". While he did not challenge the front‑runners, his ability to manage tyre wear and maintain consistent sector times earned praise from Red Bull’s technical staff.

Implications for his future

The surprise call‑up was a result of Red Bull’s need to fill a seat after a sudden driver illness. Hirakawa’s solid showing could open doors for a full‑time seat in 2025, especially as the team evaluates talent for its junior roster. Experts cited by Autosport suggested that his performance, combined with his strong record in the feeder series, positions him as a candidate for a test role with the senior Red Bull squad.

For Indian fans

The Mexican Grand Prix started at 02:00 IST on Sunday, and the race was streamed live on FanCode with a free‑to‑watch option for Indian viewers. Those who missed the live action can catch the full‑race replay on FanCode’s on‑demand library, which also offers a dedicated commentary feed in English. Hirakawa’s debut adds another storyline for Indian F1 enthusiasts, who have followed the rise of Asian drivers in recent years.

Source: Autosport