Rafael Camara is set to make his Formula 1 debut with Haas at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, describing his preparations as “abnormal”. The 21-year-old Brazilian will compete at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos, from November 6-8, 2026.
Camara’s accelerated promotion follows Esteban Ocon’s permanent departure from Haas for the remainder of the 2026 season. Ocon was removed from his seat after an internal incident during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed Ocon would not return, stating the decision was “firmly in the best interests of the team moving forward”. Komatsu added that the discussions between the team and Ocon remain an internal matter.
Ocon had previously denied reports of a physical altercation in Mexico, attributing his mid-weekend benching to a “difference in viewpoints”. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa initially replaced Ocon in Mexico, scoring a point.
However, Hirakawa is unavailable for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to prior commitments in the World Endurance Championship. This opened the door for Camara to step into the VF-26.
Camara was already confirmed last month as Ocon’s full-time replacement for Haas in the 2027 Formula 1 season. His debut at his home Grand Prix comes earlier than anticipated.
The Ferrari Driver Academy member, who joined in 2021, is the current leader of the FIA Formula 2 Championship. He has secured three victories and seven podiums from 25 starts in the 2026 F2 season.
Camara boasts a strong junior career, including winning the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship. He also claimed the FIA Formula 3 title in his rookie season in 2025.
He has prior experience in Formula 1 machinery, having driven the Haas VF-25 (2025 car) during a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session in August at Portimão. He also conducted simulator work with Ferrari.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix marks Round 20 of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The event will follow a traditional Grand Prix format, without a Sprint race.
Free Practice 1 is scheduled for Friday, November 6, at 12:30 local time (UTC-3). Qualifying will take place on Saturday, November 7, at 15:00 local time.
The 71-lap race is set for Sunday, November 8, at 14:00 local time. Camara will partner Ollie Bearman, who is aiming to reverse a recent series of retirements.
Camara will be the 34th Brazilian driver to compete in a Formula 1 Grand Prix. He will be one of two Brazilians on the current grid, alongside Gabriel Bortoleto.
Weather forecasts for Interlagos indicate overcast conditions on Friday with temperatures around 24°C. Saturday brings a 60-70% chance of thunderstorms and highs near 29°C.
Sunday’s race day is expected to see temperatures drop to approximately 17°C, with a 40-50% risk of rain.
“I think I would never expect to do a first race here in Brazil in Formula 1,” Camara stated regarding his unexpected debut.
