Ferrari Junior Rafael Camara Could Get a Home F1 Debut as Haas Fills Ocon’s Seat
· Yahoo Sports
Haas’s 2027 signing Rafael Camara could make his F1 debut at his home race in Brazil, as the team decides who replaces Esteban Ocon this weekend.
The Hot Seat at Haas
The Mexico City Grand Prix had a lot to unpack, but probably the most bizarre thing to happen during the weekend was the shocking departure by Esteban Ocon from Haas. On the surface, this wouldn’t be much of a surprise, considering he would be leaving the American team by the end of the season, but to lose a driver mid-weekend is practically unheard of.
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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 30: Esteban Ocon of France and Haas F1 looks on in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Simon Galloway/LAT Images)Ocon has since admitted a disagreement with Haas but denied any physical violence. The matter is understood to be with Haas’s legal team, with a mutually agreed contract termination a possible outcome, Auto Action reported.
Following the quick departure, reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa stepped into the driver’s seat and managed to score a point on his debut. The result was impressive considering the extremely short notice and a race interrupted by a red flag. But now, with Brazil capping off the triple-header, a question looms: Who will drive for Haas for the rest of the year?
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – OCTOBER 30: Ryo Hirakawa of Japan and Haas F1 prepares to drive during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Simon Galloway/LAT Images)An announcement is expected by Thursday morning, Brazilian time, Auto Action reported. Jack Doohan, Haas’s reserve driver for the final races, is among the leading candidates alongside Hirakawa and Camara, while a return for Ocon appears unlikely.
Rafael Camara: The Rookie Who Will Drive for Haas Next Year
Camara is the 21-year-old Brazilian driver that Haas signed as a full-time driver for the 2027 season. He won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024 and last year’s Formula 3 title, and he currently leads Formula 2 by seven points.
He’s already due on track at Interlagos on Friday, driving Ferrari’s SF-26 in FP1, according to Auto Action. But because of the events in Mexico, there could be a rare opportunity for him to arrive at Haas early, and at his home race no less.
What’s at Stake for All Parties
For Haas, which currently sits seventh in the constructors’ standings, a decision must be made on whether to keep Hirakawa or start Camara early. Hirakawa, a WEC Hypercar champion, has the edge on experience and already has a Grand Prix with the team behind him. However, he is slated to race for Toyota in the 6 Hours of Monza in Italy, on the same day as the Brazilian Grand Prix. He and his teammates lead the standings by 17 points, and third place would secure the title.
As for Camara, an early entry could be crucial in getting used to F1 machinery and being able to add some input on the car moving forward. Brazil itself doesn’t clash with F2, whose last two rounds are in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. But moving up to F1 for the rest of the year would almost certainly end his F2 title hopes, Auto Action reported, and Ferrari will have a significant say.
Though Haas still has to make the decision, the opportunity to race in F1 for the rest of the year is an attractive one for anyone in the frame. Asked after the race when he would know what he was racing the following weekend, Hirakawa answered: “I don’t know. I have no idea yet. At the moment, I just need to enjoy this moment.”