Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend’s 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix after Haas confirmed Esteban Ocon will not return to the cockpit for the remainder of 2026.
The Brazilian, who leads the Formula 2 championship, will join Ollie Bearman for his home event. A member of Ferrari’s Driver Academy, Camara had already secured Ocon’s seat for 2027, but will now get his first Grand Prix start earlier than planned.
For Ocon, the announcement brings his two-season racing spell with Haas to an early close. The team confirmed last month that the Frenchman would leave at the end of the year, before removing him from driving duties during the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.
Rafael Camara
F1 Debut 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Current/Last Team Haas
Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took over from Saturday in Mexico and scored a point on his F1 debut. He was classified 10th following post-race penalties for Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.
However, Hirakawa’s World Endurance Championship commitments in Italy this weekend mean he is unavailable for Sao Paulo, opening the way for Camara.
Haas keep reasons for Ocon decision private
Haas have not publicly explained the circumstances behind Ocon’s removal.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu declined to discuss the situation when questioned during the Mexico weekend, and the team’s latest announcement maintained that position.
Komatsu said Haas had informed Ocon that he would not race for them again this season. He described the decision as a difficult one, but said the team believed it served their best interests moving forward.
The conversations between Ocon and Haas would remain private, he added.
Attention now turns to Camara, who faces his first Formula 1 race weekend in front of a home crowd while continuing to lead the F2 title race.
His selection confirms Haas’ pairing for Brazil, but does not yet settle their line-up for the rest of the campaign. The team have not announced who will partner Ollie Bearman at the final three scheduled rounds in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
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