Camara looking to learn from Bearman on surprise F1 debut in Brazil

Rafael Camara says he is relishing the opportunity to learn from Ollie Bearman when he makes his unexpected F1 debut for Haas at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Camara has been drafted in following confirmation Esteban Ocon would no longer compete with Haas for the rest of the season, bringing forward the Brazilian youngster’s planned arrival in F1 from 2027.

The 21-year-old was already scheduled to make his FP1 debut for Ferrari at Interlagos, which would have been his first outing in a 2026 car after one TPC session for Haas, and four for the works team.

However, with Camara now thrust into the spotlight at his home event at late notice he believes his fellow Ferrari Driver Academy colleague Ollie Bearman, who he lines up alongside at Haas, can provide a valuable reference.

“I think it would be very good to have Ollie,” said Camara. “He's always been doing a good job. So, [he] will be someone that it will be good to learn [from] and to see what he's doing, so I can also extract for myself and try to put in place.”

He added: "We've been together [at Ferrari] now since the start. Obviously, we were in different categories. He was, I think, going to F3 and I was just starting F4.

"So, obviously, in that way, we were just seeing each other more in the training camps in Ferrari when we were going together, all the drivers.

“So we know [each other] a bit, but not that much. But obviously, from what he showed in F1, what he did, I think it would be a good opportunity to be learning this weekend.”

Camara is also looking forward to experiencing the support of the Brazilian crowd, having felt that backing increasingly as he progressed through the junior categories, and he joins compatriot Gabriel Bortoleto in representing the nation at home this weekend.

“Once I joined F3, where you get more exposure, there was really big support from the Brazilian fans,” he said. “It’s always been nice to see how much they cheer and how much they support you.

“Just being able to do my first Formula 1 race here in front of everyone will be something very special. So for sure, I’ll also try to give them a nice weekend. But like I said, step by step, and just try to do it in a good way.”