Verstappen and Alonso reveal what Camara must avoid on F1 debut
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen have offered their advice to Rafael Camara ahead of his Formula 1 debut on home soil in Brazil, urging the young Brazilian to enjoy the occasion and avoid putting too much pressure on himself.
Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, stepping into the Haas seat vacated by Esteban Ocon. The 21-year-old Brazilian was already confirmed as a full-time driver for the American team in 2027, but his promotion has been brought forward following Ocon's unexpected departure.
The Frenchman was replaced by Haas reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, with the Japanese driver going on to finish tenth and score a point.
Haas subsequently confirmed that Ocon would not race for the team again this season, although team principal Ayao Komatsu declined to disclose the details behind the decision. With Hirakawa unavailable in Brazil due to his World Endurance Championship commitments, Camara was selected to partner Oliver Bearman at Interlagos.
Photo: Race Pictures
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Alonso urges Camara to enjoy the experience
Alonso highlighted the combination of excitement and pressure that comes with making a Formula 1 debut in front of a home crowd, stressing the importance of concentrating on the driving.
"Enjoy. I think when you find yourself making your debut in F1 in your home country, there can obviously be a lot of pressure and a lot of excitement at the same time. So I think the first thing is to enjoy it and do your job behind the wheel."
The Spaniard also expressed confidence in Camara's ability to succeed at the highest level, while suggesting that the media also have a responsibility not to place excessive expectations on the youngster.
"He has the talent, he has everything to succeed and everything to do well in Formula 1. The important thing is to start on the right foot and not have too much pressure. So that's part of your job as well here, the media."
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Verstappen highlights the importance of managing expectations
Verstappen echoed Alonso's advice, pointing to Brazil's rich Formula 1 history and the expectations surrounding drivers representing the country.
"Just enjoy the moment. I know, of course, probably in Brazil, it can be quite demanding as a driver. You have a lot of history, a lot of great world champions. You want to have, of course, Brazilian drivers in F1. But for him, it's actually quite nice."
The Dutchman also believes the opportunity to gain experience with the car and work alongside the team's engineers will prove valuable ahead of Camara's first full season.
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"He's, of course, racing next year. He can now start to understand the car a little bit already, work with the team and the engineers. But again, you shouldn't put too much pressure on it. Just take it step by step."
"He has the talent, he has shown that in all the junior categories. But now it's also up to him and, of course, the people around him and the team to manage that well, to get the most out of him in the coming years. And then you might have another great Brazilian driver in Formula 1."
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