Ryo Hirakawa struggles with traffic in F1 Mexico GP qualifying
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 31, 2026, 11:33 PM
Last updated Oct 31, 2026
Ryo Hirakawa, making his Formula 1 debut with Haas, qualified 19th for the Mexico City Grand Prix on October 31 after encountering traffic on his final lap. Despite setting a personal-best first sector time, Hirakawa lost momentum due to Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto blocking his path. He expressed disappointment but remained focused on performing well in the race. His race strategy emphasizes a strong start and navigating the opening corner safely, indicating preparation for the challenges ahead.
- •Hirakawa encountered traffic during his final qualifying lap.
- •He aims for a strong race start and clean cornering.
- •The qualifying session took place on October 31 in Mexico City.
- •Hirakawa replaced Esteban Ocon after the latter was sidelined.
- 11:33 PMYahoo Sports — Ryo Hirakawa could have "easily" made Q2 in F1 Mexico GP without late traffic
- 11:33 PMMotorsport.com — Ryo Hirakawa could have "easily" made Q2 in F1 Mexico GP without late traffic
"Haas stand-in Ryo Hirakawa believes he'd have "easily" reached the second part of qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix, had he not encountered traffic on his final lap of the session. Hirakawa, making his Formula 1 debut with Haas as Esteban Ocon was stood down from his driving duties, had set a personal-best first sector and was angling to make the Q3 cut at the expense of Carlos ...Keep reading
"Esteban Ocon's replacement qualified 19th for his first F1 grand prix - but feels he could have achieved more
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 31, 2026, 11:33 PMRyo Hirakawa could have "easily" made Q2 in F1 Mexico GP without late traffic
Esteban Ocon's replacement qualified 19th for his first F1 grand prix - but feels he could have achieved more
- Motorsport.comOct 31, 2026, 11:33 PMRyo Hirakawa could have "easily" made Q2 in F1 Mexico GP without late traffic
Haas stand-in Ryo Hirakawa believes he'd have "easily" reached the second part of qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix, had he not encountered traffic on his final lap of the session. Hirakawa, making his Formula 1 debut with Haas as Esteban Ocon was stood down from his driving duties, had set a personal-best first sector and was angling to make the Q3 cut at the expense of Carlos ...Keep reading
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