Sunday proved to be a day of bustling behind-the-scenes activity in Formula 1, even with no race on the schedule. The headlines highlighted a strong rumor involving Rafael Câmara, new statements from Gabriel Bortoleto, BYD’s stance on a potential entry into the sport, and the mounting uncertainty surrounding Bahrain’s return to the 2026 calendar.
The main topic of the day was Rafael Câmara. According to the Italian site Rossomotori.it, the Brazilian driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy was chosen to defend Haas starting in the 2027 season, after impressing the team in a competition that also involved Yuki Tsunoda. If the information is confirmed, Haas would count on a two-driver lineup composed of drivers affiliated with Ferrari’s academy, alongside Oliver Bearman.
Gabriel Bortoleto also drew attention by commenting on his friendship with Max Verstappen. The Audi driver stated that the good relationship between the two remains strong, but acknowledged that a direct title fight in Formula 1 would naturally alter that dynamic. Still in the driver market, Bearman was again linked to Red Bull for the future, though his stay at Haas remains the most likely scenario.
Behind the scenes of the category, BYD reiterated that it would only consider entering Formula 1 if it could contribute technologically, ruling out any project that is merely for brand exposure. The possible return of the Bahrain Grand Prix to the 2026 calendar, meanwhile, was again threatened after the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, reducing the chances of confirming the event for October.
With no on-track activities this weekend, Formula 1 remains on a break and will return between July 17 and 19 for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, the tenth round of the 2026 season.
