Ryō Hirakawa etched his name into Formula 1 history at the Mexico City Grand Prix, securing his first career points in a dramatic turn of events following the checkered flag. The Haas reserve driver, who stepped in for Esteban Ocon after the veteran was sidelined for undisclosed reasons, navigated a challenging weekend to finish 13th on track. However, it was the post-race stewards’ decision to penalize Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly, and Franco Colapinto that elevated Hirakawa’s classification, granting him a crucial point in his maiden F1 start.
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The path to this milestone was fraught with adversity, beginning with Hirakawa’s elimination in Q1 where he qualified 18th. Despite starting from the back of the field, he executed a steady race to overtake multiple competitors, crossing the line in P13. His result was further cemented by the retirement of teammate Oliver Bearman, who was forced out of the race after Nico Hülkenberg collided with the rear of his VF-26 in the closing stages. Hirakawa’s ability to maintain a consistent pace while managing tire degradation proved vital in keeping him ahead of the midfield pack.
This achievement marks a significant moment for the 24-year-old Japanese driver, who had previously participated in FP1 to satisfy rookie requirements. The promotion to P12 in the final standings not only rewards his on-track performance but also highlights the volatile nature of F1 race results, where off-track decisions can alter careers. As Hirakawa returns to the Haas garage, this debut serves as a strong foundation, proving he can compete at the highest level and potentially securing a more permanent seat in the VF-26 for future rounds.
Source: Yahoo Sports
