Ferrari junior Rafa Camara is preparing to make his Formula 1 debut with Haas at Interlagos after being called up unexpectedly. The 21-year-old Brazilian replaces Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the season following Ocon’s departure from the team.
Facing a Steep Learning Curve
Camara enters the weekend facing significant challenges, having never driven a 2026 Formula 1 car or raced at the Interlagos circuit before. His preparation has been minimal, though he had previously completed simulator work in Maranello while scheduled to conduct a practice session for Ferrari.
The current Formula 2 championship leader earned the opportunity thanks to his impressive speed during a private test with Haas in Portimao. During the test, Camara performed so quickly that regular driver Oliver Bearman struggled to match his lap times, convincing Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu to sign him for next season.
Handling the Pressure
Speaking to Autosport, Camara admitted he did not anticipate making his grand prix debut under these circumstances. “I was very surprised,” Camara told Autosport. “Definitely not a place where I would expect to make my debut in Formula 1, but just very happy for the opportunity, very grateful as well for the team to put trust in me this week. So I’m just trying to enjoy the home race and have some fun out there.”
Despite managing an intense wave of media attention and public interest, the driver maintained a calm demeanor. “There will be a lot of things going on,” Camara acknowledged. “But I think it should be all right. Whatever people are speaking [about] or what’s happening outside, it’s never been a real problem. I always try to just focus on my side, focus on things that I can control, and whatever is happening outside is not really under my control. So I just really try to go there and do what I know what to do.”
Focusing on the Future
With his 2027 seat already secured, Camara can concentrate entirely on gathering experience and preparing for the future rather than feeling pressured to overperform. The reigning FIA Formula 3 champion emphasized that his primary goal is to learn as much as possible throughout the weekend.
“I’m just really trying to learn as much as I can,” he said. “There will be a lot of things going on, but I think on my side I just try to see it as a positive note. Just driving at home is something that I didn’t do for a long time. So I’m just really trying to enjoy this weekend and just have some fun. Obviously it will be not easy, but I think what always helps for me is just really focus on my side, focus on my job, and make sure that every time you’re learning and moving forwards.”
Camara also aims to appreciate the support of the local fans during his milestone appearance. “Once I joined F3, where you get more exposed, the support from the Brazilian fans was really big. And it’s always been nice to see how much they cheer and how much they support you,” he stated. “Just being able to do my first F1 race here in front of everyone, would be something very special. For sure, I’ll try to give them a nice weekend.”
