F1: Haas drop Ocon, Câmara makes F1 debut in Brazil
The newsroomUpdated on November 4, 20263 minHaas confirms Esteban Ocon will not race again this season: Brazilian Rafael Câmara, 21, makes his F1 debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos.
Key point
Haas confirms Esteban Ocon will not return to his race seat this season: Rafael Câmara, 21, makes his F1 debut at home in Brazil.
Haas confirmed on Wednesday that Esteban Ocon will not return to his race seat this season. Brazilian Rafael Câmara, 21, takes over from the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, São Paulo, so his Formula 1 debut will come on home soil.
A decision taken in Mexico
Ocon was removed from his car during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend after his relationship with the team deteriorated sharply. Team boss Ayao Komatsu says the call was made in the best interest of the team going forward. He will not detail what happened behind closed doors.
According to The Race, the exit followed a radio altercation on Friday and a disagreement over tyre allocation in free practice. German paper Bild also reports an aggressive gesture by Ocon towards Komatsu; the team has not confirmed that version.
In Mexico, Ryo Hirakawa took his place, scoring a point in his first race.
Câmara, from the Portimão shootout to Interlagos
A Ferrari junior, Câmara won his 2027 Haas seat in the Portimão shootout. He has also driven for Haas and Ferrari in private tests with older cars. This weekend he lines up alongside Oliver Bearman. The Race notes that rain is forecast.
Ocon's record
Ocon won one Grand Prix and took a few podiums in cars that did not always have the potential to win regularly. He raced for Renault and Alpine before driving for Haas in 2026. Motorsport.com says his F1 career may be ending, while judging his record a success.
Key points
- Haas confirms Ocon will not race for the team again this season.
- Rafael Câmara, 21, makes his debut at home in the Brazilian GP.
- His full-time Haas seat for 2027 had already been announced.
Frequently asked questions
Will Esteban Ocon race for Haas again this season?
No. Haas confirmed he will not return to his race seat this season, after he was pulled from the car during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend.
Who replaces Ocon at the Brazilian Grand Prix?
Rafael Câmara, 21, a Ferrari junior already announced as a Haas driver for 2027. He races alongside Oliver Bearman.
What happened in Mexico?
Haas has not given details. The decision came during the weekend after a sharp breakdown in the relationship between Ocon and the team; Ryo Hirakawa replaced him in Mexico City.
Sources
- F1-Fansite — Haas confirms Ocon is out and Camara debuts in Brazil
- The Race — Our verdict on Ocon's Haas exit and Camara's debut
- Motorsport.com — Ocon's F1 career may be ending, but his story is one of success
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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