News Summary
- Haas has confirmed Rafael Câmara will make his Formula 1 debut at the São Paulo Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon alongside Ollie Bearman.
- Max Verstappen accused the FIA of double standards over Charles Leclerc’s Mexican GP penalty, according to previously unbroadcast team radio.
- Toto Wolff revealed that Mercedes lost two sponsors after choosing Andrea Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton, a decision ultimately rewarded with the 2026 world championship.
Formula 1’s build-up to the São Paulo Grand Prix was dominated on Tuesday (November 3) by the confirmation of Rafael Câmara’s debut with Haas, just days before his home race at Interlagos. The Brazilian will replace Esteban Ocon, whose departure from the American team’s race line-up has now been made official.
Meanwhile, new radio recordings revealed Max Verstappen’s frustration with the FIA’s handling of Charles Leclerc’s penalty in Mexico, while Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff disclosed that the decision to promote Andrea Kimi Antonelli had cost the manufacturer two commercial partners.
Haas confirms Câmara’s F1 debut as Ocon loses seat
Haas announced that Câmara will partner Ollie Bearman at the São Paulo Grand Prix, scheduled for November 6–8.
The 21-year-old Brazilian currently leads the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship and has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021.
He previously tested a Haas Formula 1 car at Portimão in August, impressing team principal Ayao Komatsu.
The team also confirmed that Ocon will not return to its race line-up during the remainder of 2026.
Komatsu said the decision had been made in Haas’ best interests, while declining to disclose the details of the internal discussions that led to the Frenchman’s departure.
Haas officially confirmed Câmara’s debut at Interlagos.
GRANDE PRÊMIO also understands that Câmara will compete in Las Vegas before Ryō Hirakawa is expected to return for the final Middle Eastern rounds, provided those races take place.
Verstappen accuses FIA of double standards over Leclerc penalty
Previously unbroadcast team radio from the Mexican Grand Prix revealed that Verstappen repeatedly demanded action against Leclerc during the opening laps.
The Ferrari driver had overtaken Lewis Hamilton outside the track limits at Turn 4 and remained ahead rather than returning the position.
Verstappen argued that the stewards would have acted more quickly had he committed the same infringement.
The Red Bull driver also questioned why Leclerc eventually received a five-second penalty rather than the usual ten seconds.
The FIA explained that Hamilton had also left the circuit and that the incident occurred early on the opening lap, justifying a reduced sanction.
Verstappen’s radio messages revealed his frustration with the stewards’ decision.
The controversy adds to Ferrari’s difficult aftermath of the Mexican Grand Prix, where Hamilton accused Leclerc of compromising a potential victory.
Wolff reveals Mercedes lost sponsors over Antonelli decision
Mercedes’ decision to promote Antonelli into Hamilton’s former seat had consequences beyond the race track.
Wolff revealed that two sponsors left the team because they questioned whether the young Italian was ready for Formula 1.
Antonelli was just 18 when he made his debut in 2025, having moved directly from Formula 2.
The Mercedes boss insisted that the team had extensive performance data supporting its decision, despite criticism from commercial partners and other figures within the sport.
Antonelli subsequently became Formula 1’s youngest world champion at the Mexican Grand Prix, securing the title in his second season.
Wolff revealed the financial consequences of Mercedes’ decision to promote Antonelli.
The Austrian did not identify the sponsors or disclose the value of the lost agreements.
Hamilton renews criticism of Ferrari after Mexico
Hamilton also maintained his criticism of Ferrari’s internal racing approach following the confrontation with Leclerc.
The seven-time world champion believes the team must establish clearer expectations for situations in which its drivers are competing directly.
After finishing second in Mexico, Hamilton argued that the opening-lap battle had compromised Ferrari’s opportunity to win.
He subsequently reinforced his position in a social media message, emphasising the responsibility drivers have towards the wider team.
Hamilton’s latest statement called for accountability after Ferrari’s lost victory.
Ferrari heads to Brazil attempting to recover from the dispute while defending second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Lawson says Red Bull return proved he deserved another chance
Liam Lawson believes his temporary return to Red Bull during 2026 demonstrated that he was capable of competing for the senior team.
The New Zealander was demoted to Racing Bulls after just two Grands Prix in 2025 but returned for three races this year while Isack Hadjar was injured.
Lawson argued that his original opportunity came with insufficient preparation, including limited testing and technical problems.
His improved performances during the second stint helped restore his confidence.
Lawson explained why he believes his Red Bull return answered critics of his 2025 demotion.
The comments are particularly relevant for New Zealand fans ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
São Paulo GP weather threatens unpredictable weekend
Formula 1 returns to Interlagos on November 6–8, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli competing for the first time as world champion.
Mercedes could also secure the Constructors’ Championship, completing its title double.
However, the weather may complicate the weekend.
Early forecasts indicate the possibility of rain around Saturday’s qualifying session, while conditions could remain unsettled for Sunday’s race.
The São Paulo Grand Prix weather forecast outlines the risks for qualifying and the race.
The event follows a traditional format, with three practice sessions, Saturday qualifying and Sunday’s Grand Prix, rather than a sprint weekend.
For international viewers, the complete São Paulo GP schedule provides the session times and race start information.
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.
FAQ
What is the biggest Formula 1 news on November 3?
Haas confirmed Rafael Câmara’s debut at the São Paulo Grand Prix, while Verstappen’s previously unheard Mexican GP radio and Wolff’s revelations about Mercedes sponsors also attracted attention.
Is Esteban Ocon returning to Haas in 2026?
No. Haas has confirmed that Ocon will not race for the team again this season.
When is the São Paulo Grand Prix?
The race takes place on Sunday, November 8, at 14:00 local time in Brazil, equivalent to 17:00 GMT and 12:00 EST.
