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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…

By Jake Boxall-Legge · Motorsport

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 11:33 PM

Key Things to Know

Haas stand-in Ryo Hirakawa believes he could have easily reached Q2 without encountering late qualifying traffic.
Hirakawa qualified 19th for the Mexico City Grand Prix while substituting for Esteban Ocon.
Traffic from Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto caused Hirakawa to lose downforce on his final run.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Haas stand-in driver Ryo Hirakawa believes he could have easily advanced to Q2 in qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix if not for late traffic on his final lap. Hirakawa, making his Formula 1 debut after Esteban Ocon was stood down, qualified 19th after encountering Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto in sectors two and three.

Hirakawa had set a personal-best opening sector before losing downforce in traffic. The two-time World Endurance Championship winner stated his primary race focus is achieving a clean start, while declining to address his upcoming WEC title fight at Monza.

Read the full article on Motorsport

Ryo Hirakawa could have “easily” made Q2 in F1 Mexico GP without late traffic

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