Hirakawa says Monza WEC finale discussions over F1 Brazil debut took place

Toyota driver Ryo Hirakawa, the FIA World Endurance Championship points leader, has said there were discussions about him missing the Monza finale to race in Formula 1 in Brazil. Haas ultimately opted to field Rafael Camara instead, with Hirakawa saying he respected the team's decision.

Hirakawa made an unexpected F1 debut in Mexico after Haas split with Esteban Ocon, scoring a point for finishing tenth after post-race penalties. He was unsure whether he would get another chance in the three remaining F1 rounds, with Camara due in F2 action in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Hirakawa holds a 17-point lead in the drivers' championship in the No. 8 Toyota TR010 Hybrid, shared with Brendon Hartley and Sebastien Buemi, heading into Sunday's decider at Monza.