Haas to make F1 driver lineup change at Hungarian Grand Prix

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Haas to make F1 driver lineup change at Hungarian Grand Prix

In a surprising twist ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Haas F1 team has announced a significant driver change that will see Ollie Bearman stepping aside for reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa during the first practice session. This move comes as the British racer prepares for his second season with the team, showcasing his impressive performance against veteran teammate Esteban Ocon.

Bearman, who joined Haas for the 2025 season, has made a name for himself by finishing P13 in last year’s drivers’ championship, edging out Ocon by three points. As a rookie, he demonstrated remarkable skill, securing his position as one of the top newcomers, trailing only Isack Hadjar, who earned a Red Bull promotion with a stronger debut.

Now in his sophomore season, Bearman continues to hold onto P13 in the standings, boasting 18 points—15 more than Ocon after ten races. As speculation mounts regarding potential contenders for Ocon’s seat next year, the French driver can breathe a little easier knowing it’s Bearman who will sit out practice, not him.

In a statement released just before the race weekend, Haas confirmed that Hirakawa will take the wheel of Bearman’s VF-26 for the crucial FP1 session at the Hungaroring. Team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed enthusiasm about Hirakawa’s opportunity to build on his previous outing in Austria, where he made his debut in the car.

Bearman shared his excitement about the swap, noting that it would provide him with a unique perspective during the practice session. He emphasized the importance of Hirakawa’s feedback for the team’s preparations.

Hirakawa himself expressed gratitude for the chance to drive again, stating, “This will be my second time in the VF-26 after a challenging FP1 in Austria. I’m eager to push the limits on this narrow and technical track, providing valuable insights to help the team set up for the rest of the weekend.”

Last month, Hirakawa faced a tough debut at the Red Bull Ring, finishing P19 in FP1 and experiencing an unfortunate incident involving a pit crew member. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, echoing a similar situation involving Lewis Hamilton in Spa.

As the excitement builds for the Hungarian Grand Prix, fans are left wondering how this driver swap will impact the team’s performance and what it means for the future of both Bearman and Ocon.

7/22/2026

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