Rafael Camara, current leader of the Formula 2 championship, will make his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2027, and is expected to share the team with Oliver Bearman.
The 21-year-old Brazilian driver will replace Esteban Ocon, who will leave the American team at the end of the 2026 season after two disappointing seasons; his departure was confirmed on September 30.
Camara has experienced a rapid rise through the lower categories, after winning the title of the European Regional Formula in 2024 and the Formula 3 title in 2025, both victories achieved in a dominant manner. If he secures the Formula 2 championship for Invicta, where he currently leads by seven points over Nikola Tsolov, he would become the first driver to win FRECA, F3, and F2 in consecutive seasons.
“I am very happy to join TGR [Haas F1 Team] as a Formula 1 driver,” declared Camara, who has signed a “multi-year” contract. “It is an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me.”
Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the Driver Academy of Scuderia Ferrari for the support received over the years, as well as to his family for always being by his side throughout this journey. “Now, my focus is to prepare myself in the best way possible for this new challenge. There is much to learn, and I am looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car, and continuing to develop as a driver.”
Although Haas took time to confirm this decision, it was entirely predictable that Camara would occupy the seat, surpassing drivers like the F2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, and reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa.
All three have participated in TPC programs (Testing of Previous Cars) for Haas, highlighting a three-day test in Portimao in August as part of the plan to evaluate all candidates. Additionally, the fact that Camara is a graduate of Ferrari’s academy — like Bearman — may have helped in the process, as the Scuderia maintains a strong relationship with Haas, selling them numerous components, such as the engine.
The team principal, Ayao Komatsu, said: “I am really excited to sign a young and incredible talent like Rafael Camara. I don’t need to tell you about his achievements in the lower categories; they have been impressive, and in his debut season in Formula 2, the speed he showed in very difficult moments, such as in the qualifications in Monaco and Montreal, demonstrates the potential he has.”
“He demonstrated during his participation in our TPC program in Portugal that he managed very well with little time to learn the car; he showed us more than just raw speed. Rafa was able to create an environment that brought out the best in himself, it was very impressive, and the laps he completed were special.
“We are all very excited about this opportunity and committed as TGR Haas F1 Team to foster this talent and provide a space where he can flourish. We want to create an environment where he feels comfortable and supported, where he can truly excel in his capabilities.”
This news implies that there are now theoretically only three seats available for 2027, two at Racing Bulls, which is expected to retain Liam Lawson and impressive rookie Arvid Lindblad. The other seat, along with Camara, is said to likely be occupied by Bearman, who has greatly impressed since his arrival as a rookie last year.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
