Haas Release Esteban Ocon as Rafael Camara Gets F1 Debut at Home in Sao Paulo
Haas have ended Esteban Ocon’s contract early, and Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Ocon Released by Haas
The Haas F1 Team announced on Tuesday that it has ended its contract with French driver Esteban Ocon. Brazil’s Rafael Camara will take his seat and make his F1 debut in front of his home fans in Sao Paulo this weekend.
Ocon was already left out of last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix. Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa replaced him and finished 10th. Haas said the change had nothing to do with Ocon’s health.
Komatsu Explains Decision
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said the decision was not an easy one. He explained that, just like the change in Mexico, the team believes this is the best decision for its future.
There were reports that Komatsu and Ocon had a physical altercation during the Mexico weekend after disagreeing over tyre choices. Ocon has denied this, saying only that he and the team had different opinions.
Camara Steps Up Early
Last month, Haas had already announced that Ocon would leave at the end of the season, with Camara, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, replacing him in 2027. Now the young Brazilian will start his F1 career four races early.
It is the second time in two years that Ocon has been released before the end of a season. Two years ago in November, Alpine let him go early after he had been in close contact with his new team before the season ended. At the time, the team said he was leaving to deal with personal matters.
Bearman Leads Haas Points Charge
Haas are seventh in the constructors’ championship, four points ahead of Audi. British driver Oliver Bearman has scored 23 of the team’s 31 points in the first 19 races.
Komatsu confirmed that Camara will partner Bearman for the rest of the season. Hirakawa is not available this weekend because he will race for Toyota in the World Endurance Championship.
After Sao Paulo, only three races remain: Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.