Sao Paulo, Brazil, November 6, 2026: Rafael Câmara will make his Formula 1 debut at the São Paulo Grand Prix, becoming the 34th Brazilian driver to compete in the sport. The Haas driver will make his first appearance in an F1 car at Interlagos this weekend, joining fellow Brazilians Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) and Argentina’s Franco Colapinto (Alpine) in the Thursday press conference ahead of the race.

The São Paulo Grand Prix will be a special occasion for Câmara, who was understandably excited about making his Formula 1 debut on home soil. The 2026 season has brought him an unexpected opportunity to step into the sport’s premier category, with his first race coming at one of Brazil’s most iconic motorsport venues.

“I would never expect to do a first race here in Brazil in Formula 1,” Câmara said. “I’m just really looking forward to driving and getting in the car, just to enjoy.”

Interestingly, the Haas driver’s debut will also mark his first experience of driving at the Interlagos circuit in a racing car other than a kart. His last competitive appearance in Brazil was in karting during a Brazilian championship in São Paulo.

Câmara admitted that his preparation for the weekend was different from the usual routine, particularly because he received the news while already in Brazil. He spent time working with Ferrari on the simulator to familiarise himself with the circuit and prepare for his first Formula 1 outing.

With three practice sessions available, the Brazilian is hoping to use the track time effectively to understand the car, adapt to the circuit and build confidence ahead of qualifying. Rather than setting specific performance targets, Câmara said his priority was to learn as much as possible and make the most of the opportunity.

Bortoleto welcomes fellow Brazilian to the F1 grid

Gabriel Bortoleto welcomed Câmara’s arrival, describing his compatriot as a deserving addition to Formula 1. The São Paulo Grand Prix will be the first time since 2016 that two Brazilian drivers have featured on the Formula 1 grid.

Bortoleto revealed that he had known Câmara since they were around eight years old and was delighted to see his compatriot reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

The Audi driver pointed to Câmara’s achievements in the junior categories, including his Formula 3 championship success and his strong position in the 2026 Formula 2 championship, as evidence of his talent.

“He fully deserves it. He’s very talented. He won F3. He’s now probably going to win F2. He’s leading the championship, so it’s fully deserved to be in Formula 1,” Bortoleto said.

For Bortoleto, the São Paulo Grand Prix also presents an opportunity to put last year’s difficult home race behind him. His 2025 appearance at Interlagos ended in a major crash, making this weekend particularly significant as he returns to race in front of his home crowd.

The Audi driver believes the team has an opportunity to challenge Haas in the Constructors’ Championship. Audi reduced the points deficit following its performance in Mexico, and Bortoleto identified scoring points as the primary objective at Interlagos.

However, he acknowledged that the unpredictable weather conditions at the Brazilian circuit could play a significant role in determining the outcome.

Colapinto targets points for Alpine at Interlagos

Franco Colapinto is also expecting strong support at Interlagos, with the Argentine driver enjoying a sizeable following in Brazil. He described the circuit as one of his favourite venues, highlighting its history and significance in motorsport.

Colapinto is hoping Alpine can build on its pace from the Mexican Grand Prix and secure another points finish. The Argentine is targeting an improvement on his previous result at the Brazilian venue, while recognising that changing weather conditions could create opportunities.

“Hopefully we can do one position better than 2024. That will be enough. That will be tricky, but we’ll try,” Colapinto said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the fans travelling from Argentina to support him, expressing his desire to deliver a strong result for them and the Alpine team.

Drivers back FIA’s efforts to tackle online abuse

The press conference also addressed the FIA’s revised online abuse guidelines, following an increase in abuse directed at drivers across social media platforms.

Colapinto, who has been vocal about the issue during the season, welcomed the FIA’s efforts but stressed that motorsport must continue working towards creating a safer online environment.

He said the issue required a proactive approach from everyone involved in the sport, including teams, drivers and the wider paddock.

Bortoleto also backed the FIA’s initiative, distinguishing between constructive criticism and threatening or abusive behaviour. He praised the governing body’s efforts and said discussions among drivers had helped improve awareness of the issue.

The Brazilian described online abuse as behaviour that people often resort to because they are shielded by their screens, adding that criticism should remain constructive rather than becoming threatening or personal.

With Câmara preparing for his Formula 1 debut, Bortoleto looking to deliver a strong home performance and Colapinto targeting points for Alpine, the São Paulo Grand Prix promises to be an eventful weekend for the South American contingent at Interlagos.