Image credit: Haas Formula 1
HAAS have confirmed that Brazilian driver Rafael Camara will join the team in 2027, replacing Esteban Ocon.
Camara currently leads the Formula 2 drivers’ championship by seven points after 12 races, and was selected in a process containing four drivers.
Haas opted for the Brazilian instead of their two reserve drivers, Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan, as well as reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli.
The US team’s principal, Ayo Komatsu, said (according to BBC Sport): “I always said we would choose a driver by performance. He showed incredible speed. That was the overriding factor above everything else.
He showed he could handle himself well with little time to learn the car. He showed us more than just raw speed.”
Whilst all the possible drivers had financial backing, Komatsu insisted, “It was clear he was the quickest guy, so we took him purely based on that.”
Whilst it hasn’t been confirmed just yet, it is thought that Camara will partner Oliver Bearman in the team, with Komatsu adding: “It is our intention to continue with Ollie. It is just a matter of timing and finalising certain details.”
The move means that the 2027 Haas team will consist of two drivers representing the Ferrari Drivers academy, with Bearman already representing the Prancing Horse on one occasion.
Haas have been customers of Ferrari since 2017, but no drivers have made the move between the two teams before.
Camara’s Racing Background
Camara currently leads the F2 championship with 207 points, driving for Invicta Racing. The Brazilian is part of the Ferrari driver academy and has featured in all Formula titles, winning the F3 championship whilst leading in F2 with just two races left.
He joined the Ferrari academy in 2022, finishing third in Italian F3, whilst also serving as a teammate to current F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the ADAC championship in 2022.
Camara will become the 34th Brazilian to race in F1, joining fellow countryman Gabriel Bortoletto on the grid.
His contract at Haas will run until 2028, and he said: “It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayo Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me.
Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge. There will be a lot to learn, and I am looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”
