News Summary
- Rafael Câmara will race for Haas at the São Paulo and Las Vegas Grands Prix, according to information confirmed by GRANDE PRÊMIO.
- The American team is expected to make the official announcement on Wednesday, November 4, ahead of Câmara’s Formula 1 debut at Interlagos.
- Ryō Hirakawa is expected to return for Qatar and Abu Dhabi if those races take place, with Câmara also fighting for the Formula 2 championship.
Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara is set to make his Formula 1 debut with Haas at the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix before remaining in the team’s line-up for Las Vegas, GRANDE PRÊMIO has learned. The American outfit is expected to officially confirm the arrangement on Wednesday (November 4), ending speculation about its driver plans following Esteban Ocon’s departure.
The agreement will give Câmara his first two Formula 1 race starts at Interlagos on November 8 and Las Vegas on November 22, while Ryō Hirakawa is expected to return for the final two scheduled Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, provided those events take place.
Câmara set for Formula 1 debut at home in São Paulo
Câmara’s promotion represents a major opportunity for Brazilian motorsport.
The 21-year-old has progressed rapidly through the junior categories and is now preparing to make his Formula 1 debut in front of his home crowd at Interlagos.
His appearance will follow the departure of Ocon from Haas, which opened a vacancy in the team’s race line-up.
Hirakawa made his own Formula 1 debut at the Mexican Grand Prix, where he scored a point after post-race penalties promoted him to tenth.
However, the Japanese driver has commitments in the World Endurance Championship, creating an opportunity for Haas to reorganise its line-up for Brazil.
Câmara will take over the race seat at São Paulo and remain in the car for the following round in Las Vegas.
Hirakawa expected back if Qatar and Abu Dhabi races go ahead
Haas’ plans for the final rounds of the championship remain dependent on the Formula 1 calendar.
Hirakawa is expected to return to the team for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, currently scheduled for November 29 and December 6.
However, both events remain subject to security-related uncertainty in the Middle East.
Formula 1 has not announced their cancellation, and the races remain on the official calendar.
If the events proceed, Hirakawa is expected to resume racing duties with Haas.
The arrangement would allow Câmara to concentrate on his Formula 2 championship campaign, which is also scheduled to conclude in the Middle East.
Formula 2 title battle influences Haas driver plans
Câmara is fighting for the 2026 Formula 2 championship, adding another dimension to his Formula 1 opportunity.
The Brazilian’s commitments in the junior category remain significant because the final F2 rounds are scheduled alongside Formula 1 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
If both events take place, Câmara would be able to return to his Formula 2 campaign while Hirakawa competes for Haas in Formula 1.
The situation is more complicated if either event is cancelled or rescheduled.
Formula 1 and Formula 2 would need to clarify their respective calendars before the teams could finalise their plans.
For Câmara, the arrangement offers the opportunity to gain Formula 1 experience without necessarily abandoning his attempt to win the Formula 2 title.
Haas turns to young Brazilian talent after Ocon departure
Haas’ decision reflects a significant change in its driver strategy following Ocon’s unexpected departure.
The Frenchman left the team’s race line-up during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, with Haas stating that the decision was unrelated to his health.
Hirakawa subsequently stepped into the seat and made his Formula 1 debut.
The Japanese driver finished tenth in Mexico following post-race penalties, securing a championship point.
Câmara’s arrival provides Haas with another opportunity to assess a driver from outside its regular line-up.
The Brazilian has already accumulated sufficient superlicence points through his achievements in Formula Regional and Formula 3, although the formal issuance and status of his FIA superlicence must be distinguished from the points calculation.
His promotion will also attract significant attention in Brazil, where the São Paulo Grand Prix remains the country’s biggest annual motorsport event.
Câmara prepares for historic home debut
The São Paulo Grand Prix takes place at Interlagos on November 6–8, with practice scheduled for Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the race on Sunday.
Câmara’s debut would add another major storyline to a weekend already featuring Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s first appearance as world champion.
The Brazilian is expected to race for Haas again at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 22.
The final part of the team’s driver plan will depend on the Middle Eastern calendar and Câmara’s Formula 2 title campaign.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the São Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.
