Haas have confirmed Esteban Ocon will not race for the team again this season with Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara set to make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Ferrari Academy driver Camara, who had already been announced to take Ocon's seat from the start of 2027, will become an F1 driver earlier than anticipated. Frenchman Ocon was dropped midway through the last round in Mexico, with the American team not offering an explanation as to why.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player He was subsequently replaced by Ryo Hirakawa from Saturday onwards but the Japanese driver, who was 10th at the Mexico City Grand Prix, is racing in the World Endurance Championship this weekend in Italy. Hirakawa impressively finished 10th to score a point on his F1 debut on Sunday following post-race penalties for McLaren's Oscar Piastri, plus Alpine duo Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto. Haas announced last month that Ocon will be leaving the team at the end of this season after two years with the American-owned squad, with Brazilian youngster Camara signed as his replacement for 2027.
The Brazilian - current F2 leader - will step in to partner British driver Ollie Bearman at his home race with Ocon confirmed to have been removed for the rest of the season. A Haas statement read: "TGR Haas F1 team can confirm that Esteban Ocon will no longer compete on its behalf in the 2026 FIA Formula 1 world championship." Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu refused to answer questions on what had happened with Ocon when he was live on Sky Sports on Saturday of the Mexico race. The Japanese boss says the issue remains an "internal matter".
He said: "Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City - but then, as now, we feel this is firmly in the best interest of the team moving forward. "The conversations that ultimately unfolded between the team and Esteban remain an internal matter, and we will continue to respect the private nature of closed-door situations. "Looking ahead, we've chosen Rafael Camara to drive alongside Ollie Bearman at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix." Haas have not confirmed who will drive at the final three scheduled races in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Thursday November 55pm: Drivers' Press Conference8pm: Paddock Uncut Friday November 63pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice One (session starts at 3.30pm)*5.30pm: Team Bosses' Press Conference6.45pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 7pm)8.15pm: The F1 Show Saturday November 72.15pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Practice Three (session starts at 2.30pm)*5pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying build-up6pm: SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING8pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook Sunday November 83.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX*7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo City GP reaction8pm: Ted's Notebook Formula 1 heads to Brazil for the final leg of the triple header with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW
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