At 32, Ryō Hirakawa made his long-awaited Formula 1 Grand Prix debut in Mexico City. In the latest episode of The Stint Podcast, the Toyota endurance racing star takes us behind the scenes of an unexpected opportunity with Haas and reflects on a weekend unlike any other in his career.
Just one day after his final race with Peugeot Sport, Malthe Jakobsen was confirmed as the sixth and final driver in McLaren’s Hypercar programme. With its recruitment now complete, one question remains: has the British manufacturer assembled one of the strongest driver rosters on the grid ahead of its WEC debut in 2027?
A farewell victory, a world title secured despite a frustrating final race, a podium lost after the chequered flag and an Alpine that came agonisingly close to victory on its final outing. The 6 Hours of Monza delivered a season finale full of contrasts.
Toyota has already secured the Manufacturers’ World Championship, but its two crews still have the Drivers’ title to settle. Behind the Japanese manufacturer, BMW must defend second place against Ferrari. In LMGT3, TF Sport heads into the finale in a commanding position, although the title race is not quite over. Add Alpine’s farewell to Hypercar, and Monza has no shortage of storylines. Five questions ahead of the WEC season finale.
| 1 | Toyota | 215 | |
| 2 | BMW | 172 | |
| 3 | Ferrari | 150 | |
| 4 | Cadillac | 143 | |
| 5 | Alpine | 122 | |
| 6 | Aston Martin | 58 | |
| 7 | Peugeot | 42 | |
| 8 | Genesis | 14 |
| 1 | Cadillac | 2914 | |
| 2 | Porsche | 2778 | |
| 3 | Acura | 2678 | |
| 4 | BMW | 2608 | |
| 5 | Aston Martin | 2310 |
The Stint Podcast: Ryo Hirakawa – The story of my Formula 1 debut with Haas
Highlights | 6 Hours of Monza 2026 | FIA WEC
