Rafael Camara calls his first F1 weekend ‘very special’ ahead of Haas debut in São Paulo
Haas rookie Rafael Camara described his inaugural Formula 1 weekend in Brazil as a ‘very special’ experience, setting the tone for his debut Grand Prix at Interlagos.
Rafael Camara, the 22‑year‑old Brazilian who earned a seat with Haas for the 2026 season, spent his first Formula 1 weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix getting a feel for a current‑generation car. In an interview with Formula1.com, Camara said the experience was "very special" and highlighted how the weekend helped him bridge the gap between the junior categories and the top tier of motorsport.
First taste of a 2026 car
During the official test sessions, Camara was allowed to drive a 2026-spec Haas chassis – a rare opportunity for a rookie before his race debut. He noted that the car’s hybrid power unit and advanced aerodynamics felt markedly different from the Formula 2 machinery he’s been piloting. "The power is instant, the braking zones are deeper and the steering feedback is incredible," Camara explained. The team used the session to fine‑tune the car’s setup for the high‑altitude, humid conditions of São Paulo, while Camara focused on learning the nuances of tyre management and race‑craft at F1 speed.
Preparing for a home Grand Prix
Having grown up watching the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Camara said the chance to debut on home soil adds an emotional layer to his preparation. He recalled watching Ayrton Senna’s legendary drives and hopes to honour that legacy. "When you hear the crowd chanting your name, it’s a feeling you can’t describe. It pushes you to give everything," he said. The Haas team, led by CEO Guenther Steiner, expressed confidence that Camara’s familiarity with the circuit will help him extract performance in qualifying and the race.
For Indian fans, the Brazilian Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi, starting at 02:30 IST (20:30 GMT) on 22 November. Camara’s debut will be a talking point for viewers looking for fresh talent, especially as the championship battle tightens heading into the final races.
Camara’s reflections underline the significance of a rookie’s first weekend in the sport – a blend of technical learning, emotional excitement, and the pressure of performing in front of a home crowd. As the season approaches its climax, all eyes will be on the Brazilian youngster to see how quickly he can translate his testing experience into race results.
Source: Formula1.com