Haas F1 Debutant Secures Points After Mexico Penalties
Ryo Hirakawa claimed an unexpected first Formula 1 point for Haas during his series debut at a chaotic Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Japanese driver substituted Esteban Ocon after the Frenchman was sidelined due to tensions within the American team. After taking part in the rookie FP1 session earlier that weekend, Hirakawa had only two practice sessions before fulfilling a childhood ambition.
In a challenging race for Haas, Hirakawa delivered a steady performance, finishing in 13th place and standing as the teamβs only finisher, while Ollie Bearman retired late in the event.
Although Haas and Hirakawa were satisfied with the outcome, their weekend improved significantly. After the race, several rivals received post-session penalties. Consequently, the 31-year-old moved up three places in the final standings, securing the last points-scoring position on his debut.
McLarenβs Oscar Piastri incurred a ten-second time penalty for colliding with Arvid Lindblad, causing the Australian to lose his points position. Additionally, Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly failed to slow down under yellow flags, resulting in penalties that deprived Alpine of the five crucial points earned in Mexico.
While one team faced disaster, another found success. Haas, who endured a struggling weekend, gained a vital point in their competitive midfield contest.
Hirakawa reflects on F1 debut
After the eventful race and before his promotion, the Japanese driver discussed his debut, contrasting his endurance racing experience with single-seater F1 competition.
βThere were a lot of things to do today, especially around the start, and lap one β it was not easy, especially here going into Turn 1,β Hirakawa said.
βYouβre thinking about braking points and youβve got cars all around you, so I think I took too much margin because my focus was to finish the race as I wanted to learn.
Hirakawa noted that after an initial period of adjustment, he focused on learning from competitors across the grid.
βAfter that, I was trying to learn from what others were doing, and maybe the first stint was tough, but I learned a lot.β
Hirakawaβs confidence increased as the race advanced, especially after the Safety Car period enabled him to utilize the soft compound tyres more effectively.
βAfter the Safety Car, with the soft compound, I had more confidence and, after the last one, I had much more confidence and passed two cars, so Iβm happy to finish like that.
βI need to digest this moment, Iβm really happy as today was my dream, so I just want to enjoy this moment.β
It remains unconfirmed whether Ocon will return for next weekβs Brazilian Grand Prix. However, with Hirakawa having WEC commitments, Haasβ driver lineup may remain uncertain.
