Camara concedes ‘there is a lot to learn’ ahead of ‘special’ F1 debut with Haas in Sao Paulo

Rafael Camara has admitted that “there is a lot to learn” as he prepares to drive a 2026 Formula 1 car for the first time at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with the Brazilian replacing Esteban Ocon at Haas.

Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa had been drafted into the American squad last time out in Mexico City, but with a World Endurance Championship finale to contest, he is to step aside for Camara to make his debut at his home event.

While Haas had previously confirmed that the Ferrari junior – who is currently leading the F2 standings – will race for them next season, they have brought his first race forward before he takes on the full-time driver role.

Addressing the opportunity, Camara said in the team's weekend preview: “I’m grateful to TGR Haas F1 Team for giving me this opportunity, and I also want to thank Ferrari for their continued support.

“Making my Formula 1 debut in Brazil is a special moment for me. I know there is a lot to learn, and my focus is on working closely with the team, understanding the car and doing the best job I can this weekend.”

Upon the news of Camara’s 2027 contract, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu explained that the 21-year-old had shown impressive pace during a two-day test in Haas’ 2025 challenger at Portimao, convincing him of the rookie’s speed and ability to handle pressure.

That prior experience will help to an extent when he competes alongside his new team mate and fellow Ferrari-backed driver Ollie Bearman, with the Briton hopeful to maximise Haas’ potential after frustrating back-to-back retirements in the United States and Mexico.

There’s also a sense of history repeating itself for Bearman as he similarly made a late appearance for the team at the Sao Paulo venue in 2024, albeit with multiple FP1 runs and two Grands Prix already under his belt.

“This triple header hasn’t been too kind to me so far, we’ve had promising pace, but I’m yet to cross a finish line,” he said. “I’ll be ending that streak this weekend in São Paulo, and what a track to have a great result on with the history and the fans – this city has it all.

“I’ve raced for the team here twice already, subbing in for Kevin [Magnussen] in 2024, so I know a little about how Rafa will be feeling. The focus is to work together to get some points for the team as we head into the business end of the season.”