Kieran is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs and feature content across the F1 calendar. An NQJ-qualified journalist with more than a decade of experience, he has previously written for publications including MailOnline, the Manchester Evening News and the Eastern Daily Press.
Rafael Camara has admitted he was very surprised to receive a call-up by Haas to make his Formula 1 debut at his home race in Brazil, after receiving a late notice about the news.
The Brazilian replaces Esteban Ocon who has been axed by the Haas team for the remainder of the season. It means an early debut for Camara who had been confirmed to replace Ocon for the 2027 season.
He faces a steep learning curve on home soil, with an unfamiliar circuit and his first track running in this year's car among the challenges awaiting him.
Asked when he discovered he would be racing, Camara said: “Just quite late, but enough to prepare.”
Despite the unexpected timing, his overriding reaction was gratitude towards Haas for giving him the opportunity.
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“I was very surprised,” he said. “Just very happy for the opportunity, very grateful as well for the team to put trust in me to have this weekend. Just trying to enjoy the home race and have some fun out there.”
Although he will have home support behind him, Camara confirmed he has never previously driven the Interlagos circuit. “It’s the first time,” he said when asked about his experience of the venue.
Camara on whether he will return to F2
Camara was also asked about the possibility of contesting the remaining Grands Prix, and what that could mean for his Formula 2 title ambitions. The Brazilian leads the F2 standings by seven points over Nikola Tsolov.
“I think that’s something that is still to come and still in the future,” he said. “There are a lot of things going on this weekend, so I’m just really trying to focus on the job this weekend.”
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For now, the opportunity to make his first F1 start in front of the Brazilian fans is providing plenty of motivation.
“Just being able to do my first race in Formula One here in front of everyone would be something very special,” he said. "I’ll try to give them a nice weekend. But, like I said, step by step and just try to build in a good way.”
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