Ferrari have been forced to revise their plans for the first practice session at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend after Esteban Ocon was dropped by Haas.
Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, who is signed to drive for Haas in 2027, had been expected to stand in for Charles Leclerc during FP1 at Interlagos. However, the American team has since confirmed that Ocon will not drive for them again.
Ocon's Departure and Camara's Debut
The Frenchman had a disagreement with team principal Ayao Komatsu, though Ocon denied any physical altercation in a statement.
"I categorically reject any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve differences of any nature," he said. "I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding."
Despite this, Ocon has been released by Haas prematurely, having already lost his seat to Camara for next season. Camara will now make his Formula One debut in Sao Paulo after Ryo Hirakawa stepped in for Ocon at the Mexico City Grand Prix and finished 10th.
Beganovic Steps In for Ferrari
The Brazilian youngster, currently leading the F2 Drivers' Championship, will partner Britain's Ollie Bearman at his home race. As a result, Ferrari cannot call on Camara's services.
Instead, Dino Beganovic will compete in FP1 for the team, with it still expected he will take the wheel of Leclerc's SF-26. Leclerc's wife Alexandra announced the birth of their daughter Bianca via social media on Wednesday afternoon, and the 29-year-old is expected to miss FP1 after being granted personal leave.
Speaking in the United States last month, the Monegasque racer confirmed he was reluctant to miss a race when his child was eventually born but could skip practice sessions.
"No, I don't think I'll miss a race," he said. "I don't think I'll miss a race, but obviously I'll do absolutely everything to be at home as much as possible in between those races. So, I might arrive a little bit late. But I will be doing the races on Sunday."
Rookie Requirements and FP2 Expectations
Beganovic is also in F2 and trails leader Camara by 70 points. The 22-year-old Swede has been in the Ferrari Driver Academy for six years.
F1 teams must run a rookie driver four times across a season, twice per each car. The Italian constructor did not use a reserve driver in Mexico last weekend and were the only team not to do so, hence Beganovic's call-up in Brazil. Ferrari expect Leclerc to take part in FP2, which takes place two-and-a-half hours after FP1 finishes.
