Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix with number 51, but the Haas driver has already requested a different number for the 2027 season, GPblog understands.

The Brazilian is preparing for a significant weekend at Interlagos, where he will make his first Formula 1 appearance in front of his home crowd. The official entry list confirms that Camara will race with number 51, although that is not his preferred choice for next season. GPblog understands that the 21-year-old has submitted a request to the FIA to compete with number 50 in 2027.

The reason Camara cannot use number 50 this weekend is that Ryo Hirakawa already raced with it at the Mexican Grand Prix, where the Japanese driver replaced Esteban Ocon at Haas. As a result, Camara has been assigned number 51 for his debut in Brazil, despite his preference for number 50. His request to use the latter permanently from 2027 is still awaiting official approval from the FIA.

Photo: Race Pictures

Haas decision could have major consequences for F2 title fight

Camara's Formula 1 debut comes following a series of developments at Haas, which began with the team's decision to remove Esteban Ocon from its race line-up during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend.

The Frenchman was replaced by reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, who went on to finish tenth in Mexico and secure a point for the American outfit. However, the Japanese driver's commitments with Toyota in the World Endurance Championship prevented him from continuing at the Brazilian Grand Prix, opening the door for Camara to make his debut on home soil.

The Brazilian was already confirmed as a full-time Haas driver for 2027, but his unexpected early promotion has complicated his Formula 2 championship campaign. Camara currently holds a seven-point advantage over Nikola Tsolov in the standings, with the title still to be decided.

As GPblog recently revealed, Haas appears to have decided to retain Camara for the remaining three Grands Prix in Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

That decision would prevent Camara from competing in the remaining Formula 2 rounds, potentially bringing his championship challenge to an early end despite entering the final stages of the season as the standings leader.