Toyota is preparing contingency plans for its 2027 World Endurance Championship lineup as Ryo Hirakawa is linked with a Haas Formula 1 seat. A Haas decision will define Toyota’s next move.

Haas is assessing options to replace Esteban Ocon at the end of 2026, with Hirakawa understood to be on a three-driver shortlist. Ferrari reserve Rafael Camara and Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornali are also under evaluation, alongside recent analysis of the Haas 2027 seat favourites.

Hirakawa, 32, has completed multiple Haas Testing of Previous Cars outings this year, supported by Toyota’s technical partnership. He has also accumulated F1 mileage with McLaren and Alpine, strengthening his case.

Toyota’s preferred succession plan is clear. If Hirakawa steps up to F1, junior driver Esteban Masson is in line for promotion to the Hypercar squad for 2027.

Masson competes in the European Le Mans Series and owns two LMP2 podiums at Le Mans. He tested Toyota’s GR010 Hybrid in Bahrain last November and ran again during the Le Mans test day.

Technical director David Floury describes Masson as ready to step in and stresses the plan is under internal review. He also rejects suggestions that Esteban Ocon is in contention for a Toyota WEC seat.

The policy of Japanese representation remains influential but not absolute. Kamui Kobayashi anchors the #7 GR010 Hybrid, while Hirakawa currently leads the #8 entry.

The last Toyota lineup without a Japanese driver dates back to 2015, prior to Kobayashi’s arrival. Performance, Floury insists, will trump tradition if required.

Floury notes Toyota’s Japanese juniors are still developing. That increases Masson’s likelihood of promotion should Hirakawa vacate the #8 seat for a Haas opportunity.

Hirakawa’s adaptation to F1 is not a concern for Toyota. His Super Formula grounding and repeated F1 test mileage suggest a smooth learning curve within Haas’s program.

Toyota’s parallel change sees Kevin Estre join on loan from Porsche, replacing Mike Conway after 12 seasons. That refresh, alongside any Hirakawa move, would reshape driver balance.

Haas’s broader evaluation continues, with multiple scenarios considered for its 2027 pairing. The team’s Ocon replacement process remains active alongside other market dynamics, including options to replace Esteban Ocon.

Final decisions will crystallize in the coming months. Further context on Haas’s direction can be found in the latest review of the Haas F1 driver lineup and the evolving market, which also features developments around Liam Lawson’s F1 prospects.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.