Haas ends Ocon's season and hands Camara Sao Paulo debut

Haas has ended Esteban Ocon's racing duties for the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season and selected Rafael Camara for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. BBC Sport reported that the Brazilian rookie, already signed by the team for 2027, will replace the Frenchman at his home event this weekend.

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Team principal Ayao Komatsu said Ocon had been informed that he would not return to a Haas race seat this season. According to the BBC, Komatsu described the decision as being in the team's interests but said the discussions behind it would remain private. Haas has not disclosed the details that prompted Ocon's removal during the Mexico City weekend.

Formula 1's official website reported that Camara's opportunity comes with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa committed to the World Endurance Championship this weekend. Hirakawa replaced Ocon in Mexico and finished 10th, earning a point on his Formula 1 race debut. Camara will now join Ollie Bearman for the Brazilian round, bringing forward his first grand prix appearance ahead of his planned arrival next season.

Camara leads the Formula 2 standings and is part of Ferrari's junior programme, according to Formula 1's report. His record includes titles in Formula Regional European Championship and Formula 3. He also tested Haas's 2025 car in August under the Testing of Previous Cars programme. Komatsu cited that outing when explaining the team's confidence in selecting him to drive the VF-26 in Brazil.

The latest change follows Haas's October 31 announcement that Hirakawa would take over from Ocon for the remainder of the Mexico City event. In that statement, Haas noted that the Japanese driver had finished 15th in Friday's opening practice, his third practice appearance in the VF-26 that season. Hirakawa's previous achievements include two World Endurance Championship titles and victory at Le Mans in 2022.

The Sao Paulo appointment does not yet settle Haas's lineup for every remaining round. BBC Sport reported that the team had not announced who would occupy Ocon's seat after Brazil. Ocon, whose Formula 1 career began in 2016, has contested 198 grands prix and recorded one victory, according to the BBC.