Camara surprised by Haas call-up for home F1 debut

Rafa Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at his home São Paulo Grand Prix, before his planned 2027 campaign with Haas. The 21-year-old Brazilian said the call to step into the VF-26 took him by surprise; he is grateful for the team’s trust and wants to learn and enjoy the weekend. His debut follows Esteban Ocon’s split with Haas midway through the Mexico Grand Prix weekend.

Preparation is limited. Before the São Paulo weekend, Camara had never driven a 2026 F1 car or raced at Interlagos, and had few opportunities to prepare. He had been slated to drive FP1 for Ferrari and had completed some simulator work in Maranello. Camara acknowledged that the weekend would not be easy.

Camara acknowledged a surge in media attention since his drive was announced, but said outside attention had never been a real problem for him. He plans to focus on his own work, what he can control and learning as much as possible. Brazilian fans have supported him since he joined Formula 3, he said. Racing his first F1 race in front of them would be special, and he hopes to give them a good weekend.