Rafa Camara will make his Formula 1 debut earlier than expected as a surprise replacement for Esteban Ocon at his home race, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Camara was confirmed to be making the step up to F1 just a few weeks ago, the F2 driver leading the championship into the final rounds after taking the F3 title the year before in his rookie season. In the feeder series, he’d become one of the names in contention for Haas’ seat for 2027.
However, in a surprising change of events, Ocon was dropped from the team after FP2 at the Mexico GP weekend. He was replaced by Ryo Hirakawa for that weekend. Haas then announced that Ocon’s season and time with the team had ended, with Camara stepping up for his debut in front of the home crowd.
A last-minute replacement
Speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, on media day, the Brazilian admitted he was ‘very surprised’ with the move, but he was happy to be debuting in front of a home crowd.
“Yes, I was very surprised. Definitely not a place where I would expect to make my debut in Formula 1. But I’m very happy for the opportunity, and very grateful to the team for putting their trust in me this week. So yes, just trying to enjoy the home race and have some fun out there.”
Ollie Bearman, Camara’s teammate, saw his F1 debut in a similar fashion. Bearman had his first race in Jeddah, replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari when the Spaniard had appendicitis. Camara said having a teammate who had been through the same pressure and situation was ‘very good’.
“I think it would be very good to have Ollie. I mean, Ollie had a fast year, and he had always been doing a good job, so he would be someone who would be good to learn from and to see what he’s doing, so I can pass his tracks for myself and try to put them in place.
The expectations on Camara
Camara was also asked about how his conversations with Ayo Komatsu have been and if the team boss set any expectations for the Brazilians’ debut this weekend.
“I think on my side, just really trying to learn as much as I can. There will be a lot of things going on, but I think on my side, really, I just try to see it as a positive. Just driving home and doing something that I haven’t done in a long time. So I’m just really trying to enjoy this weekend and just have some fun.
“Obviously, it won’t be easy, but I think what always helps for me is to really focus on my side, focus on my job, and make sure that every time you’re learning and moving forward.” He said.
A driver’s debut comes with a lot of expectations. However, with a surprise and last-minute debut, much like Camara and Bearman saw, there is leniency applied due to the lack of prep time. Camara was asked about the pressure and if it’s hard to keep focused on the race, especially when you’re debuting in front of your home crowd.
“For now, it’s been OK. I think it should be all right. Also, I think, myself, I’ve always been…Whatever people think about what’s happening outside, it’s never really been a problem.
“So I think it should be all right; it shouldn’t be a problem. As I said, I always try to just focus on my outside, focus on things that I can control, and what’s happening outside is not really in my control. So I just really try to go there and do what I know to do.”
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