Rafael Camara F1 debut with Haas moved to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix as Esteban Ocon departs early

By Vancouver Television Sports Desk

TGR Haas F1 Team has brought forward the planned Formula 1 debut of Rafael Camara, naming the Ferrari junior as its driver for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The announcement also confirms that Esteban Ocon will not return to a race seat with Haas later this season, following his replacement at the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend.

Haas stated that it has notified Ocon that he “will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season.” The team said the decision was not taken lightly, and added that the final discussions between the team and Ocon remain an internal matter, describing the process as a closed-door situation.

During the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, Haas replaced Ocon with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. According to Haas, Hirakawa finished P10 to score a point in his first race for the team in place of Ocon.

With Ocon having pre-existing commitments in the World Endurance Championship at the upcoming weekend, Haas says the door has opened for Camara to step in earlier than originally planned at his home event. Haas noted that Camara is signed to the team for 2027, but will instead make his first Formula 1 appearance in Sao Paulo.

The Brazilian driver arrives with a multi-year record in junior categories. Haas says Camara has secured titles in the Formula Regional European Championship and Formula 3, and that he also impressed in the team’s 2025 challenger during a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) test in August. Haas cited that TPC outing as part of its justification for calling him up to race in Brazil.

Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu said the team has selected Camara to drive alongside Ollie Bearman at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Komatsu also connected the decision to Camara’s earlier TPC performance, saying Haas is looking forward to welcoming him to the team “this weekend” and supporting him through his Formula 1 debut driving the VF-26 in Brazil.