Rafael Camara Set for F1 Debut with Haas at Home São Paulo Grand Prix
Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, stepping into the TGR Haas F1 Team car earlier than initially scheduled to replace Esteban Ocon at the Brazilian event.
The 21-year-old Ferrari junior and current Formula 2 standings leader was previously confirmed by Haas to drive for the American squad next season. However, with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa unavailable due to a conflicting World Endurance Championship finale after driving in Mexico City, the team brought Camara’s debut forward for his home race.
Addressing the opportunity in the team’s weekend preview, Camara expressed his gratitude. I’m grateful to TGR Haas F1 Team for giving me this opportunity, and I also want to thank Ferrari for their continued support,
he said, adding, Making my Formula 1 debut in Brazil is a special moment for me. I know there is a lot to learn, and my focus is on working closely with the team, understanding the car and doing the best job I can this weekend.
Komatsu advances rookie timeline after Portimao test
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu decided to advance the rookie’s timeline after evaluating his performance during a two-day test in the team’s 2025 challenger at Portimao. According to Komatsu, that test demonstrated both the driver’s raw speed and his capacity to manage high-level pressure.
The young Brazilian faces a steep learning curve adapting directly to a 2026 Formula 1 specification machine without prior race weekend experience in the current machinery.
Partnering with Bearman in Sao Paulo
Camara will share the garage with fellow Ferrari-backed driver Ollie Bearman. The British driver arrives in South America aiming to reverse a difficult run of form that yielded consecutive retirements in the United States and Mexico, despite showing competitive pace.
Bearman recognizes the unique pressure facing his new teammate, having experienced a similar sudden call-up himself. At the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Bearman made a late substitute appearance for Kevin Magnussen, giving him familiarity with the circuit and the demands of stepping in mid-weekend.
This triple header hasn’t been too kind to me so far, we’ve had promising pace, but I’m yet to cross a finish line,
Bearman noted in team preview materials. I’ll be ending that streak this weekend in São Paulo, and what a track to have a great result on with the history and the fans – this city has it all.
I’ve raced for the team here twice already, subbing in for Kevin in 2024, so I know a little about how Rafa will be feeling,
Bearman added. The focus is to work together to get some points for the team as we head into the business end of the season.
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