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Rafael Camara to Debut for Haas in 2027 F1 Season
Confirmed
In Short: The 21-year-old Brazilian driver Rafael Camara has been chosen to join the Haas Formula 1 team for the 2027 season, according to reports from BBC (United Kingdom) and Autohebdo (France).
The 21-year-old Brazilian driver Rafael Camara has been chosen to join the Haas Formula 1 team for the 2027 season, according to reports from BBC (United Kingdom) and Autohebdo (France). Camara, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship, was selected after a rigorous evaluation process involving four drivers.
BBC (United Kingdom) reported that Camara was chosen based on his performance, particularly his speed, during tests at Portugal's Portimao track. Autohebdo (France) noted that Camara will replace Esteban Ocon, who is leaving the team at the end of the 2026 season.
Both outlets agree that Camara's impressive one-lap pace in qualifying has been a standout feature of his rookie F2 season, with BBC (United Kingdom) highlighting his five pole positions so far, the most by an F2 rookie since Oscar Piastri in 2021.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, quoted by BBC (United Kingdom), emphasized that Camara's speed was the overriding factor in his selection. Komatsu stated, 'He showed incredible speed. That was the fully overriding factor above everything else.'
Camara's performance during the Testing of Previous Car (TPC) test in August further solidified his position. He drove Haas' 2025 challenger at Portimao, impressing the team with his handling and raw speed, as reported by BBC (United Kingdom) and Formula1.
BBC (United Kingdom) noted that Camara was picked over reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa. Autohebdo (France) added that Camara's move to Haas comes after his development through the Ferrari Driver Academy, which he joined in 2021.
Camara expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, 'I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,' as quoted by Motorsportweek, Skysports, and Tvcnews.
Haas has not yet confirmed who will race their other car next season, but it is considered only a matter of time before Briton Oliver Bearman is confirmed for a third season, according to BBC (United Kingdom).
BBC (United Kingdom) and Crash reported that Camara's move to Formula 1 is seen as a significant step in his career, with both outlets noting his progression from karting in Brazil to his current position as a leading title protagonist in F2.
Camara's karting career began in 2011 in Brazil, and he moved to Europe, where he has since competed in various championships, including finishing second in the F4 UAE Championship and third in both the Italian and ADAC F4 championships, as reported by Planetf1.
The agreement between BBC (United Kingdom) and Autohebdo (France) is that Camara's selection is based on his exceptional performance and speed, and that he will replace Esteban Ocon, who is leaving the team at the end of the 2026 season.
Both outlets agree that Camara's move to Haas is a significant step in his career, and that he will be a key player in the 2027 Formula 1 season.
What this adds
The sources have not established the exact terms of Camara's contract with Haas, such as the length of the multi-year deal mentioned by some outlets.
What's confirmed
- "There will be a lot to learn, and I'm looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver." The F1 pit stop that helped save lives Does Norris-Piastri crash show 'papaya rules' failing?
- "He showed 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."
- In the very first, and potentially only, actual move of the 2027 F1 driver market, Haas have officially announced that Ferrari Driver Academy prospect Rafael Camara will step up to a full-time Formula 1 seat for 2027, replacing veteran Esteban Ocon.
- “I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” he said.
- Rafael Camara has signed for Haas and will be on the F1 grid in 2027.
- Rafael Câmara has signed with Haas on a ‘multi-year’ deal starting with the 2027 F1 season Haas has confirmed that Rafael Câmara will drive for the team during the 2027 Formula 1 season, ending weeks of speculation.
What's still developing
- "But it was clear he was the quickest guy, so we took him purely based on that."
- "It is our intention to continue with Ollie. It is just a matter of timing and finalising certain details."
- The 21-year-old Brazilian is replacing Esteban Ocon who will leave the American outfit at the end of 2026 after two disappointing seasons, his departure being confirmed on 30 September.
- WGP debate a contratação de Rafael Câmara pela Haas para a temporada 2027 da Fórmula 1.
- Gabriel Bortoleto sera rejoint par Rafael Câmara, qui portera les couleurs de Haas.
- By Cliona Sheerin, Hanne Scheepers, Michael McClure and Calla Kra-Caskey Câmara will take the place of Esteban Ocon, who was announced to be leaving Haas last month.