Jack Doohan ruled out of Haas F1 opportunity despite Camara uncertainty
Photo: Race Pictures
Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Any hopes Haas reserve driver Jack Doohan may have had of an F1 return this season have come to an end, with the American team set to reach the FIA's limit of four race drivers per season at the São Paulo GP. However, despite Haas’ decision to replace Esteban Ocon with Rafael Camara, GPblog understands the Brazilian still has no idea whether he will make further F1 appearances in 2026.
Racing for Invicta this season, Camara has the special opportunity of following up his F3 title by also winning the F2 championship in 2026. With just two race weekends, in principle, remaining in the Middle East, the 21-year-old holds a seven-point lead over closest rival Nikola Tsolov.
However, having already been announced as Ollie Bearman's Haas teammate for 2027, Camara is also set to make his F1 debut early at his home race this coming weekend after Ocon was dropped by the team.
Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa replaced the Frenchman mid-weekend in Mexico City - even scoring a point on race debut - but he is unavailable this time around. Therefore, with three drivers having already raced with Haas this season, and Camara set to be the fourth, Aussie driver Doohan can no longer compete for the American team in 2026 due to FIA rules.
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Will Camara remain with Haas for the rest of the season?
Photo: Race Pictures
Whether or not Camara will continue racing with Haas after the São Paulo GP and to the end of the season remains unclear. Following conversations with those involved, GPblog understands that Haas, Ferrari - whose driver academy Camara belongs to - and Invicta Racing have deliberately left his immediate future open.
A decision will be made after the São Paulo GP on whether Camara will remain in the Haas car for the rest of the season.
Regardless, there will be no scheduling clash between F1 and F2 in Las Vegas this season, meaning Camara could theoretically race there without any problems.
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Doohan no longer an option for Haas
While he is not with the American team this weekend due to World Endurance Championship duty, Hirakawa remains an option for Haas for the rest of the season. Racing for Toyota, Hirakawa could even secure the Drivers' World Championship title this weekend in Monza.
Should Haas and Ferrari decide that Camara will compete in F2 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, 32-year-old Hirakawa would therefore be the man to replace him, not former Alpine driver Doohan.
Under Article B1.7.1 of the FIA regulations, an F1 team may use a maximum of four different drivers across their two cars during Grands Prix over the course of a season. Haas will have already reached that limit after this weekend.
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