Haas have confirmed Rafael Camara will replace Esteban Ocon and partner Ollie Bearman for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The Brazilian, a Ferrari Driver Academy prospect, will make his F1 debut next year after impressing in Formula 2.
Camara's junior career and F2 title charge
Camara, 21, currently tops the F2 standings with two rounds remaining, holding a seven-point advantage over Red Bull hopeful Nikola Tsolov. He is also a Formula 3 and Formula European champion, claiming both crowns at his maiden attempt.
Haas moved to secure Bearman's partner after announcing Ocon's departure at the end of the season. The American outfit drew from the same talent pool that brought Bearman, who has excelled since joining the team.
Selection process and contenders
Camara emerged victorious from Haas's comprehensive evaluation process of all their candidates. The squad whittled down the contenders to the Brazilian and their reserve driver Jack Doohan, who competed seven times in F1 for Alpine.
Japanese duo Ryo Hirakawa and Sho Tsuboi were also granted trials via Haas's alliance with Toyota Racing. They likewise evaluated last year's F2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, whose parent squad McLaren was particularly eager to secure the Italian a drive.
Team and driver reaction
"I'm really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent," said Haas boss Ayao Komatsu. "I don't need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulae - it's been very impressive. In his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he's shown in some very difficult moments goes to show the potential Rafa has."
Komatsu added: "He showed when we had him drive in our TPC program in Portugal that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of time to learn the car, he showed us more than just raw speed. Rafa managed to create an environment to get the best out of himself, it was very impressive and certainly the laps he completed were special. We're all excited about this opportunity and really committed to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish."
Camara said: "I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me. I'm also very grateful to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for their support and for everything they have contributed to my development over the years, as well as to my family for always being there throughout this journey. Now, my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge."
Haas finalised terms with Ferrari in Singapore last weekend, and Camara's showing behind the wheel of last year's Haas F1 machine at Portimao in August helped persuade Komatsu and team owner Gene Haas that he was the optimal selection.
