The Ferrari junior driver, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship standings, will climb into the VF-26 alongside Ollie Bearman for his home Grand Prix, following confirmation that Esteban Ocon will not return to the team’s race line-up this season.

Camara’s promotion comes after Haas made another change to its driver line-up at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa stepped in for Ocon. The Japanese driver made an immediate impression, finishing 10th to collect a championship point on his debut for the team.

Esteban Ocon - X

However, Hirakawa’s existing commitments in the World Endurance Championship this weekend have created an opportunity for Camara to step into the spotlight in front of his home supporters.

The Brazilian, who is already contracted to Haas for 2027, had originally been expected to gain his Formula 1 opportunity at a later stage. Instead, he will make his first appearance in the pinnacle of motorsport on home soil.

Camara arrives with an impressive junior racing CV. He has already claimed championship honours in both the Formula Regional European Championship and Formula 3, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in international motorsport.

Rafael Camara - F1

He also caught the attention of the Haas management during a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme in August, where he got behind the wheel of the team’s 2025 machinery and delivered an encouraging performance.

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed that Ocon had been informed that he would not return to the cockpit for the remainder of the campaign.

"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," Komatsu said.

Esteban Ocon and Ayao Komatsu - X

He added that discussions between the team and Ocon would remain private, with Haas respecting the confidentiality of the conversations.

Turning his attention to the Brazilian youngster, Komatsu expressed confidence in Camara’s ability to make the most of the opportunity.

"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," he said.

Ayao Komatsu - X

For Camara, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix represents a significant milestone in what has already been a promising career. Making his Formula 1 debut at his home race, with thousands of Brazilian fans expected to be cheering him on, will make the occasion even more special.

Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix at Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo is scheduled to get underway at 19:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport