Formula 1 today: Haas turn to Rafael Câmara in Brazil

Haas part ways with Esteban Ocon for the rest of the season, as F2 leader Rafael Câmara makes his debut in São Paulo.

The start/finish straight and grandstands of the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in our 3D environment, without cars — Image: scene from our 3D replay

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Ocon will not race for Haas again in 2026

The Haas F1 Team confirmed on Tuesday evening that Esteban Ocon will not return to the race car this season. According to formula1.com, team principal Ayao Komatsu said the decision was „firmly in the best interests of the team moving forward“. Haas have given no further details. The team say the talks between team and driver remain an internal matter.

It means the Frenchman's departure has come earlier than planned. Ocon had already announced he would leave the team at the end of the season.

What happened in Mexico

Ocon was already out of the car from Saturday onwards at the Mexico City GP. According to The Race as well as auto motor & sport, this followed a disagreement with the team's management after the second free practice session. Both outlets report that Ocon has denied claims of a physical altercation. Haas have not commented on the matter.

Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa stepped in for him. In his first Formula 1 race, he started from 18th on the grid, finished tenth and scored a point. According to auto motor & sport, the Japanese driver is not available for Brazil, as he is racing for Toyota at the WEC finale on the same weekend.

Câmara makes his debut in front of his home crowd

At the Brazilian GP, 21-year-old Brazilian Rafael Câmara will drive alongside Oliver Bearman. Câmara is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and currently leads Formula 2. Haas had already signed him as a race driver for 2027. According to formula1.com, he impressed in a test with last year's car in August. So far, Haas have only confirmed him for the race in São Paulo. Who will drive the second car in the last three races of the season is still open.

Looking ahead to Interlagos

Round 20 of the season takes place at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. The drivers' title has already been decided: Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads with 380 points. Behind him, it is tight. Max Verstappen has 261 points, Lewis Hamilton 259, George Russell 250 and Charles Leclerc 245. In the constructors' standings, Mercedes lead with 630 points ahead of Ferrari on 504.

The session times in German time (CET):