Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut for Haas at the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, held at the Interlagos Circuit this weekend. The 21-year-old Brazilian steps into the car previously driven by Esteban Ocon. This early promotion comes after Ocon’s permanent departure from the team.
Ocon was officially dropped by Haas for the remainder of the 2026 season on November 3, 2026. This decision followed an internal incident during the preceding Mexican Grand Prix weekend. Ocon had initially confirmed his intention to leave Haas at the close of the 2026 season on September 30.
During the Mexico City Grand Prix, Ryo Hirakawa replaced Ocon for the remainder of the event, from October 31 to November 1, 2026. Hirakawa, a reserve driver, finished tenth on his Formula 1 race debut after post-race penalties affected other competitors.
Hirakawa was unavailable for the São Paulo Grand Prix due to prior commitments. He is currently competing in the World Endurance Championship with Toyota, where he is leading the drivers’ title. This scheduling conflict opened the opportunity for Camara.
Camara was already confirmed to join Haas as a full-time driver for the 2027 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. He was slated to replace Ocon and partner Ollie Bearman. Camara is a product of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
James Robinson, Camara’s team principal at Invicta Racing in Formula 2, has highlighted the Brazilian’s capabilities. Robinson described Camara’s ‘natural speed and natural talent’ as a ‘very special’ asset. He also noted Camara’s exceptional ‘feel for the tyres.’
Robinson further stated that Camara is ‘unquestionably the fastest driver’ he has seen join the Invicta team. While acknowledging areas for the F1 newcomer to refine his craft, Robinson anticipates a successful Formula 1 career for Camara.
Camara currently leads the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship. He holds 207 points, seven clear of Nikola Tsolov. Two rounds of the Formula 2 season remain after the Azerbaijan event.
The São Paulo Grand Prix weekend runs from November 6-8, 2026. Qualifying is scheduled for November 7, with the 71-lap race on November 8. This event marks the twentieth round of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.
Camara participated in the first two free practice sessions on November 6. He finished 18th in FP1 and 16th in FP2 at Interlagos, a circuit new to him. This marked his first experience in a 2026 Formula 1 car.
During FP2, Camara received a reprimand from the stewards for impeding Charles Leclerc. The incident occurred at Turn 15, where Leclerc was on a flying lap and had to take evasive action.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed the decision to promote Camara. Komatsu stated that the conversations with Ocon regarding his immediate departure remain an internal matter.
Camara’s teammate for the São Paulo Grand Prix is Ollie Bearman. Bearman has previous experience at Interlagos, having substituted for Kevin Magnussen in 2024 and achieving a sixth-place finish in 2025.
