Haas replaces Esteban Ocon with Rafael Câmara at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Formula 1

Haas has officially announced the early end of its collaboration with Esteban Ocon following the scandal surrounding the Mexican Grand Prix. The French driver will no longer race for the American team, and Rafael Câmara will take his place alongside Oliver Bearman at the next race, scheduled to take place in São Paulo.

The 21-year-old Brazilian currently leads the Formula 2 drivers’ standings and was initially scheduled to become a Haas driver in 2027. His Formula 1 debut will therefore come earlier than expected, at his home Grand Prix.

The decision comes after tensions reported at the race in Mexico. During practice, Ocon allegedly challenged his race engineer Laura Müller’s instruction over the radio to switch to medium tyres. Later, according to the German press, a heated confrontation allegedly took place between the driver and team principal Ayao Komatsu. Some publications even reported allegations of physical contact, but Ocon denied them.

Haas withdrew Ocon from the remainder of the Mexican weekend, with Ryo Hirakawa taking his place at the time. The team maintains that the decisions were made in the team’s best interests and that discussions with the driver remain an internal matter.