News Summary
- Haas has officially confirmed that Rafael Câmara will make his Formula 1 debut at the São Paulo Grand Prix, partnering Ollie Bearman at Interlagos.
- Esteban Ocon will not race again for Haas during the 2026 season, with team principal Ayao Komatsu confirming the decision was made in the team’s best interests.
- Câmara currently leads the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship, while Haas is still evaluating its full-time driver line-up for 2027.
Haas has officially confirmed that Rafael Câmara will make his Formula 1 debut at the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, replacing Esteban Ocon alongside Ollie Bearman. The American team announced on Tuesday (November 3) that Ocon will not compete for Haas again this season, while the 21-year-old Brazilian will make his first Grand Prix appearance at Interlagos on November 6–8.
The announcement confirms information previously obtained by GRANDE PRÊMIO concerning Câmara’s promotion following Ocon’s departure.
Komatsu explains Ocon departure and Câmara promotion
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed that the decision to remove Ocon from the race line-up had been communicated to the Frenchman.
“We have now notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season,” Komatsu said in the team’s official statement.
The Japanese executive acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but insisted it was necessary.
“Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City — but then, as now, we feel this is firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward.”
Komatsu also addressed the circumstances surrounding Ocon’s departure, explaining that discussions between the driver and team would remain private.
“The conversations that ultimately unfolded between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter, and we will continue to respect the private nature of closed-door situations.”
Ocon’s removal follows the unexpected decision to replace him during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, when Ryō Hirakawa stepped into the Haas race seat.
The Frenchman had joined Haas in 2025 after leaving Alpine, but his second season with the American team has ended prematurely.
Câmara makes F1 debut after leading Formula 2 championship
Câmara arrives in Formula 1 as the current leader of the 2026 Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship.
The Brazilian has progressed through the junior categories after joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021.
He won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024 and the FIA Formula 3 title in 2025 before advancing to Formula 2.
His promotion gives Haas an opportunity to evaluate one of Ferrari’s most promising young drivers at the highest level.
Câmara has already gained experience with the American team.
In August, he participated in a Testing of Previous Cars session at Portimão, driving Haas’ VF-25 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.
The test provided his first opportunity to work directly with the team’s engineers and become familiar with its operational procedures.
Haas praises Câmara’s progress ahead of home debut
Komatsu highlighted Câmara’s previous test as an important part of the team’s preparation for his debut.
“Looking ahead, we’ve chosen Rafael Câmara to drive alongside Ollie Bearman at the São Paulo Grand Prix,” the Haas team principal said.
“Having excelled in his TPC outing in August, we know Rafa’s capabilities and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the team this weekend and working with him through his Formula 1 debut driving the VF-26 in Brazil.”
The opportunity will allow Câmara to make his first Grand Prix appearance in front of his home supporters.
His promotion also comes at a significant moment for Brazilian motorsport, with the country gaining another representative on the Formula 1 grid.
What happens to Haas after São Paulo?
Haas has not yet confirmed its race line-up for the remaining rounds of the 2026 season.
However, GRANDE PRÊMIO understands that Câmara is also expected to compete at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 22.
Ryō Hirakawa is expected to return for Qatar and Abu Dhabi if those races proceed as planned.
That arrangement would allow Câmara to concentrate on the final rounds of the Formula 2 championship, where he remains in contention for the title.
The Middle Eastern races remain subject to security-related uncertainty, making the final calendar an important factor in Haas’ driver plans.
The team has also confirmed that it is evaluating its full-time driver options for 2027.
Câmara’s performance at Interlagos could therefore become significant in determining his long-term Formula 1 prospects.
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
Is Rafael Câmara racing for Haas at the São Paulo Grand Prix?
Yes. Haas officially confirmed that Câmara will make his Formula 1 debut alongside Ollie Bearman at Interlagos.
Will Esteban Ocon return to Haas in 2026?
No. Haas confirmed that Ocon will not compete for the team again during the 2026 season.
Will Câmara race for Haas in Las Vegas?
GRANDE PRÊMIO understands that Câmara is expected to race in Las Vegas, although Haas has not yet officially confirmed that appearance.
