Haas closes the door on Ocon as Câmara prepares for F1 home debut
Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not race for the team again in 2026, bringing his departure forward and giving Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara an early Formula 1 debut at his home Grand Prix in São Paulo.
The American team announced the decision on Tuesday, 3 November, following Ocon’s unexpected withdrawal from the Mexico City Grand Prix last weekend.
Câmara, who was already set to join Haas in 2027, will race alongside Oliver Bearman at Interlagos on 8 November.
BREAKING: Haas have confirmed Esteban Ocon will no longer compete for them in the 2026 Formula 1 season #F1 https://t.co/HN7vkKaXDc
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 3, 2026
Team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed that Ocon’s removal would remain in effect for the rest of the season.
«We have now notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season,» Komatsu said.
The decision follows reports of disagreements between Ocon and Haas personnel during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, including a tense exchange with his race engineer over tyre strategy.
However, the team has declined to explain the circumstances behind his departure.
«The conversations that ultimately unfolded between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter,» Komatsu said.
Ocon had previously announced plans to leave Haas at the end of 2026 after two seasons with the team. His immediate departure means he will not compete in the remaining races, with his Formula 1 future still uncertain.
Rafael Câmara gets early F1 opportunity at home
BREAKING: Haas confirm Rafael Camara will make F1 debut at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix The 21-year-old is set to become the 34th driver from Brazil to race in F1 🇧🇷 #F1 https://t.co/EnwgQ8UgUa
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 3, 2026
The change creates an unexpected opportunity for 21-year-old Rafael Câmara, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship.
The Ferrari junior has won titles in the Formula Regional European Championship and Formula 3, establishing himself as one of the leading young drivers in single-seater racing.
Câmara also impressed Haas during a private test in August, driving the team’s 2025 Formula 1 car.
Haas had initially planned to introduce him as a full-time driver next season, but the latest developments have brought his debut forward.
The opportunity arose partly because reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, who replaced Ocon in Mexico and finished tenth to score a point, has existing World Endurance Championship commitments during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.
Komatsu said Câmara’s performance during testing had given Haas confidence in his ability to compete.
The team has confirmed him for São Paulo but has not announced who will drive its second car at the remaining rounds.
Câmara will now make his Formula 1 debut in front of his home crowd, becoming the latest Brazilian driver to reach the championship.
