Formula 1 Rookie Crashes in TPC Test Before Mexico GP

For context, TPC tests allow constructors to run older cars that comply with the technical regulations from the past three seasons. Teams use these sessions to gather critical performance data and fine-tune car setups.

Each team is allowed up to 20 TPC tests per year, making them a key part of race preparation despite using older machinery.

What Exactly Happened at Zandvoort?

As seen in the exclusive footage shared by Zoey Kooring, Jasper Photography on Instagram, while exiting Turn 8, known as Masterbocht, Hirakawa lost control, initiating a series of three full 360-degree spins.

The car ultimately skidded across the grass outside Turn 9, making contact with the barrier at the front and rear. Fortunately, Hirakawa was unharmed and "only needed a check at the medical centre."

Notably, Jasper is a semi-professional photographer based in Zandvoort who was present during the TPC test.

Will Ryo Hirakawa Still Replace Oliver Bearman at Mexico City Grand Prix?

Despite the incident, the rookie is expected to participate in FP1 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this Friday, marking his third confirmed outing with the American team.

In fact, Hirakawa has already arrived in Mexico as per his latest Instagram story. Additionally, the 31-year-old will also be in action for FP1 at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

As aforementioned, the rookie did not suffer any physical injuries. While the incident was unfortunate, it highlights the team’s commitment to optimizing performance and safety as they approach the final races of the 2025 season.

List of Rookies That Will Take Part in Mexico GP FP1

A total of 9 teams will look to fulfill FIA’s rookie driver requirement, which states that all teams must run a rookie driver in at least two practice sessions per car per season (four times total).

Here is the list of drivers who'll be replacing this year's prominent faces at the Mexico GP:

• McLaren: Pato O’Ward will replace Lando Norris.
• Oracle Red Bull Racing: Arvid Lindblad steps in for Max Verstappen.
• Mercedes-AMG Petronas: Frederik Vesti replaces George Russell.
• Scuderia Ferrari: Antonio Fuoco to substitute Lewis Hamilton.
• Atlassian Williams Racing: Luke Browning will get behind the wheel for Carlos Sainz.
• Aston Martin: Jak Crawford will race Lance Stroll's car.
• Alpine: Paul Aron will drive Pierre Gasly's car.
• Racing Bulls: Ayumu Iwasa for Liam Lawson.
• Haas: As aforementioned, Ryo Hirakawa will replace Oliver Bearman.

While the teams look to fulfill a crucial FIA mandate, for the rookies, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Hence, even a track incident, as mentioned above, won't stop the rookies from showcasing their skills in their upcoming outing at the 2025 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez race track.