Haas reveals final Ocon decision and driver to replace him in Brazil
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated:
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Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, replacing Esteban Ocon at Haas.
Ocon will no longer race for the Haas F1 team this season, the American team has confirmed. This comes after the Frenchman was also replaced by Ryo Hirakawa midway through the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The driver who was set to replace the Frenchman for the 2027 season, Camara, will now partner Oliver Bearman at the Interlagos circuit this weekend. After winning the Formula 3 title last season, the Brazilian currently leads the Formula 2 standings ahead of Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov.
Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1's team principal said: "We have notified Esteban Ocon that he will not return to a race seat with TGR Haas F1 Team this season. Such decisions are never made lightly, as was the case in Mexico City - but then, as now, we feel this is firmly the best interest of the team moving forward.
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"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. Having excelled in his TPC outing in August, we know Rafa's capabilities and we're looking forward to welcoming him into the team this weekend and working with him through his Formula 1 debut driving the VF-26 in Brazil."
Hirakawa set for WEC season finale
Hirakawa is not available this weekend, as he is competing in the World Endurance Championship season finale in Monza. Alongside former F1 drivers Sebastien Buemi and Brendon Hartley, the Toyota driver currently leads the Hypercar standings.
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