Rafael Câmara will make his F1 debut with Haas at the 2026 São Paulo GP, following confirmation that Esteban Ocon will not return for the remainder of the season. The Brazilian, who currently leads the F2 Drivers’ Championship, will partner Ollie Bearman at Interlagos, making his first Grand Prix appearance earlier than originally planned.
Haas had already confirmed Câmara on a multi-year contract for 2027 in October. However, the team’s decision to remove Ocon from its race line-up has accelerated the Ferrari Driver Academy junior’s arrival.
Câmara prepares for early F1 debut with Haas
The 21-year-old enters F1 following an impressive progression through the junior single-seater categories. After securing the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship and 2025 F3 title, Câmara graduated to F2 with Invicta Racing for 2026.
At the time of his October signing announcement, Câmara led the F2 standings with 207 points, having secured Feature Race victories in Spain, Belgium and Azerbaijan. His rookie campaign had also produced six podium finishes and five pole positions, establishing him as a leading contender for the championship.
Câmara has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, following a development pathway similar to that of his new Haas teammate Bearman.
Following confirmation of his original 2027 agreement, the Brazilian expressed his appreciation for the opportunity.
“I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver. It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me.
“I’m also very grateful to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for their support and for everything they have contributed to my development over the years, as well as to my family for always being there throughout this journey.”
Haas impressed by Câmara’s previous F1 test
Câmara’s first experience working with Haas came during an August Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) outing at Portimão, where he drove the team’s 2025 VF-25.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu praised the Brazilian’s performance, highlighting his ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar machinery.
“He showed when we had him drive in our TPC program in Portugal that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of time to learn the car, he showed us more than just raw speed.”
Team Owner Gene Haas also highlighted the success of Ferrari’s junior development programme, particularly Bearman’s progression into F1.
“It’s a different challenge at this level but what we’ve experienced through Ollie Bearman following a similar trajectory and association with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, these younger drivers are well prepared, and they can make an immediate impact on a team.”
Câmara’s earlier-than-planned debut follows Ryō Hirakawa’s unexpected promotion during the Mexico City GP weekend. The Japanese driver subsequently secured a point on his F1 debut, finishing tenth following several post-race penalties.
However, Hirakawa’s World Endurance Championship commitments prevent him from competing in Brazil, opening the door for Câmara’s first appearance.
Komatsu confirmed the decision ahead of the São Paulo GP.
“Looking ahead, we’ve chosen Rafael Camara to drive alongside Ollie Bearman at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. 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.”
Haas confirms Ocon will not return for remainder of 2026
Ocon’s early departure follows Haas’ decision to replace him with Hirakawa during the Mexico City GP weekend. Although the Frenchman had already confirmed that he would leave the team at the end of 2026, the circumstances surrounding his removal from the race seat have not been publicly disclosed.
Komatsu previously declined to explain the decision, confirming only that Ocon’s absence was unrelated to illness.
The Haas Team Principal has now confirmed that the Frenchman will not compete in the remaining rounds of the championship.
“We have now notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season.
“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 interests of the team moving forward.
“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.”
