Haas rule out Ocon return for 2026 as Camara gets Sao Paulo drive

Haas have told Esteban Ocon he will not race for the team again in the 2026 Formula 1 season, extending his absence beyond the Mexico City Grand Prix. According to BBC Sport, Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara will take his place at this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Camara has already signed with Haas for 2027.

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Team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed the decision in a statement on Tuesday. He said Ocon had been notified that he would not return to a Haas race seat this season and described the move as being in the team's interests. Komatsu also said the discussions between Haas and the French driver would remain private, without explaining the details behind the decision.

Ocon had initially been stood down on Saturday morning during the Mexico City weekend, after taking part in Friday practice. Haas brought in Japanese reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa as his replacement. BBC Sport reported that Ocon had disputed tyre selection with his race engineer, Laura Mueller, during the second practice session before the team made that change.

The circumstances surrounding the subsequent discussions remain unresolved publicly. Ocon acknowledged in a statement that differing views had prompted a discussion involving the parties concerned, but denied that physical violence had been used to settle any disagreement. His response followed a report in French newspaper L'Equipe about a meeting with Komatsu. Haas have not disclosed what led them to remove him from the car in Mexico.

The announcement ends Ocon's racing programme with Haas for the remainder of this championship. BBC Sport reported that he has contested 198 grands prix since his Formula 1 debut in 2016 and has one victory. The report also said he was looking for a reserve role as a means of maintaining a presence in the paddock.

For Haas, the immediate replacement is confirmed, but the full plan for the rest of the season has not been announced. Camara will race in Sao Paulo ahead of his contracted arrival for 2027. The team has not said who will occupy Ocon's seat in the races that follow the Brazilian round.