Komatsu says fast-tracking Camara was a tough choice for Haas

Esteban Ocon’s sudden departure brought Rafael Camara into Haas’s Sao Paulo line-up ahead of schedule. Camara had been due to make his first FP1 appearance in a current car with Ferrari, as a step towards a full-time Haas debut in 2027; instead, he made his F1 debut in Friday practice at his home Grand Prix. Team principal Ayao Komatsu said the accelerated promotion was a difficult decision.

Komatsu said Ryo Hirakawa’s showing in Mexico City the previous weekend made the choice less straightforward. Called up at short notice, Hirakawa had FP1, then took over from FP3 for qualifying and the race, finishing 10th. Komatsu praised how the Japanese driver handled the pressure.

Hirakawa also had a commitment at the World Endurance Championship race at Monza during the Interlagos weekend, but it was not a foregone conclusion that he would race in Italy rather than Brazil.

Komatsu’s confidence in Camara came in part from the Portimao TPC shoot-out that ultimately earned him the 2027 Haas seat. The team principal said the Brazilian impressed him beyond his lap time: Camara handled pressure, adapted to changing conditions and focused on what he could control.

Camara is confirmed only for Interlagos. He also has F2 commitments in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and Komatsu said no decision had been made on the remaining F1 races of 2026. He wants to take matters one step at a time.