Akio Toyoda writes emotional letter to Ryo Hirakawa after Mexico City F1 debut

Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda has written an emotional letter to Ryo Hirakawa following his Formula 1 debut at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Hirakawa, the Toyota-backed World Endurance Championship driver and official Haas reserve, was called into the car from third practice onwards after Esteban Ocon was dropped. He finished 10th and scored a point on his debut.

In the letter, Toyoda said he had long hoped to see a Toyota driver race in F1 again, since the company withdrew at the end of the 2009 season. He praised Hirakawa's persistence through difficult periods and his preparation despite limited notice, saying he was incredibly proud to see him line up on the grid.