Brazilian F1 drivers Bortoleto and Câmara bring childhood bond to São Paulo grid

SAO PAULO (AP) — Two kart drivers, Gabriel Bortoleto and Rafael Câmara, who were just children snacking at each other's houses after races 14 years ago, will make their Formula 1 debut at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday at Interlagos. Bortoleto, 22, and Câmara, 21, are Audi drivers, with Bortoleto being one of the first to learn about Câmara's Haas seat for the Brazilian GP.

This marks the first time since 2016 that Brazil will have two drivers on the F1 grid, a feat possible due to the country's rich history of F1 champions like Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet. Câmara, currently leading the F2 standings by seven points, is uncertain about his future plans after Brazil, with options including continuing his pursuit for the F2 title or competing in both series until the season's end.

Haas has provided Câmara with a one-year contract for 2027. While Bortoleto has only raced at Interlagos for two years, he acknowledges Câmara's talent and the rarity of both drivers making it to F1, given the sport's high costs in Brazil. Ryo Hirakawa, who scored points for Haas with his 10th-place finish in Mexico, is unavailable for Brazil due to a commitment to Toyota in the World Endurance Championship finale.