Haas drops Ocon and names Camara for São Paulo GP

Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon will not race for the team again this season and has selected Rafa Camara to replace him at the São Paulo Grand Prix, giving the Brazilian an early Formula 1 debut. Team principal Ayao Komatsu said Haas had notified Ocon that he would not return to a race seat this year. He described the discussions with Ocon as an internal matter and said the team considered the decision to be in its best interests. Haas has not publicly explained what led to the change. Camara, who is scheduled to join Haas as a full-time driver in 2027, will race alongside Oliver Bearman at the São Paulo event. The Brazilian is a Formula 2 championship leader and has driven older Ferrari and Haas cars in private testing. Komatsu said Camara’s August test with Haas had demonstrated his capabilities. The change follows Ocon’s removal from the lineup during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa took his place from Saturday onward and finished 10th, earning a point. Haas has not confirmed who will drive for the team in the final three rounds, in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Accounts of the Mexico events described a disagreement involving Ocon and...