Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not race for the team again in 2026, with Rafael Camara stepping into the seat for this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old, who is scheduled to join Haas in 2027, will make his Formula 1 debut at the São Paulo event alongside Oliver Bearman.
The decision follows a heated argument in Mexico after relations between Ocon and the team had become increasingly strained. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said the team had informed Ocon that he would not return to its race seat this season, describing the decision as being in the team’s best interests. He added that the discussions with Ocon would remain private.
Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa replaced Ocon from Saturday onwards in Mexico and finished 10th, scoring a point on his debut. Haas has not yet confirmed whether Camara or Hirakawa will drive in the remaining rounds in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Camara currently leads the Formula 2 standings and has completed five Testing of Previous Cars outings this season: four in Ferrari’s SF-25 and one in Haas’s VF-25. His test with Haas took place at Portimão in August. Although he has not driven a 2026 Formula 1 car, Komatsu said the team was looking forward to working with him on his debut in the VF-26.
The change also affects Ferrari’s Friday morning FP1 plans. Dino Beganovic will take the session previously allocated to Camara, giving the Swedish driver another opportunity to drive the team’s car.
Sources: Autosport.