What happened: TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Hirakawa drove the VF-26 in Friday's opening practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. He now takes over driving duties alongside Ollie Bearman for qualifying and the race.

Why it matters: The sudden promotion hands Hirakawa an unexpected race weekend opportunity at altitude while Haas navigates cockpit continuity. With Ocon departing Haas after 2026 and Rafael Camara signed for 2027, the weekend gives the team an early live test of its reserve driver under grand prix conditions.

What to watch: Hirakawa takes the car for final practice and qualifying on Saturday ahead of Sunday's grand prix.