Ferrari has been forced to adjust its driver line-up for the Brazilian Grand Prix after Esteban Ocon was dropped by Haas. Ferrari academy driver Rafael Camara, who is contracted to race for Haas in 2027, has replaced the Frenchman.
Camara was expected to replace Charles Leclerc during the opening practice session at Interlagos, FP1. However, the American outfit has since announced that Ocon will not compete for them again. The Frenchman had a disagreement with team boss Ayao Komatsu, though Ocon strongly refuted suggestions of physical violence 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."
Ocon axed prematurely by Haas
Nevertheless, Ocon has subsequently been prematurely axed by Haas, having already lost his seat to Camara for next season. Camara will now make his Formula One bow in Sao Paulo after Ryo Hirakawa substituted for Ocon at the Mexico City Grand Prix and secured 10th.
Brazilian prospect Camara - the present frontrunner in the F2 Drivers' Championship - will join forces with Britain's Ollie Bearman at his home race.
Beganovic steps in for Leclerc
And it also means that Ferrari cannot tap into Camara's abilities. Instead, Dino Beganovic will take part in FP1 for the squad, with it still anticipated he will commandeer 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 as a result of 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."
F2 rival gets his chance
His stand-in Beganovic is also competing in F2 and sits 70 points behind championship leader Camara. The 22-year-old Swede has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy for six years.
F1 teams are required to field a rookie driver four times throughout a season, twice per each car. However, the Italian constructor opted against using a reserve driver in Mexico last weekend, becoming the only team not to do so, which has prompted Beganovic's call-up in Brazil. Ferrari anticipates that Leclerc will take part in FP2, which gets underway two-and-a-half hours after FP1 concludes.
