Rafael Camara reprimanded for impeding Charles Leclerc in Brazil practice

Rafael Camara received his first Formula 1 penalty after impeding Charles Leclerc during second practice at the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Haas driver was given a reprimand.

Crash.net reports that the incident occurred on the uphill run to Interlagos’s main straight. Stewards found that Camara had received repeated warnings about Leclerc approaching on a fast lap but was weaving and moving into the racing line.

“Car 16 had to take evasive action to avoid a collision by moving to the right, with a significant amount of the car off the track. The situation that was created was clearly dangerous and car 51 should have taken more care to avoid impeding car 16,” the FIA stewards said.

The stewards’ decision noted that a warning is the usual sanction for impeding during free practice.

“I mean, what the f**k was that?” Ferrari driver Leclerc said over team radio.

Camara said: “Once you get into the car, and you start driving, it goes back to the normal thing that you’ve been doing your whole life. There’s a lot going on, but so far it’s been a good two sessions, learning a lot and improving throughout the day.”

Camara was making his F1 debut with Haas at his home race, replacing Esteban Ocon following Ocon’s departure in Mexico. Haas announced the Brazilian’s full debut on Tuesday.

Camara finished second practice in 16th, with Leclerc seventh. He reduced his deficit to Haas teammate Ollie Bearman from eight-tenths in first practice to half a second in the second session.

The 21-year-old Ferrari junior won the Formula 3 title in 2025 and signed with Haas for the 2027 season last month.