By Holly Wright
Haas have signed Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara on a multi-year deal from the 2027 season, with the 21-year-old Brazilian set to make his Formula 1 debut after impressing the American team during testing.
Camara will replace Esteban Ocon, whose departure from Haas at the end of the 2026 campaign was confirmed in September after two seasons with the team.
The Brazilian has emerged as one of the most promising young drivers in the junior categories, having won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024 before claiming the Formula 3 title in 2025.
He is now leading the Formula 2 standings with two rounds remaining, putting himself in contention to complete a remarkable run of consecutive championship successes.
His promotion follows an evaluation process involving four drivers, with Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu ultimately selecting Camara ahead of reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa.
Camara Impressed Haas During F1 Testing
Haas assessed Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa during a test at Portugal’s Portimão circuit in August, with Doohan evaluated separately.
Driving the team’s 2025 car as part of its Testing of Previous Cars programme, Camara reportedly stood out for his outright pace and ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar machinery.
Komatsu made clear that performance was the deciding factor in the team’s selection, insisting that Camara’s speed separated him from the other candidates.
“I always said we would choose driver by performance. He showed incredible speed. That was the fully overriding factor above everything else,” Komatsu said.
“In Portimão, he was just simply outstanding. We really wanted to go for someone who had that natural speed.”
“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.”
Komatsu also confirmed that the drivers involved in the assessment had financial backing but stressed that this did not determine the outcome.
“It was clear he was the quickest guy, so we took him purely based on that,” he added.
The test proved particularly important given that Camara has yet to establish himself through a Grand Prix weekend in current Formula 1 machinery. His ability to find pace quickly nevertheless gave Haas confidence that he could make the step up.
From Formula 3 Champion To F2 Title Contender
Camara’s promotion follows an impressive progression through the junior single-seater categories.
After winning the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship, he moved into Formula 3 for 2025 and secured the championship in his debut season.
He subsequently graduated to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing, where his performances have continued to attract attention. Three Feature Race victories and four further podium finishes have helped him establish a seven-point lead over Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov with two rounds remaining.
His performances in challenging qualifying sessions, including at Monaco and Montreal, have also caught the attention of Komatsu, who believes they demonstrate the Brazilian’s potential.
Camara joined the Ferrari Driver Academy as a teenager and has developed within the programme alongside fellow academy member Oliver Bearman. Both drivers are now associated with Haas, with Bearman having made his Formula 1 debut for the team in 2025.
That pathway has helped strengthen Haas’s confidence in promoting another young driver.
However, Camara will face a different challenge in Formula 1, where adapting to the demands of a full season, working with engineers and managing race weekends will be as important as outright speed.
Komatsu And Gene Haas Back Camara’s Potential
Komatsu expressed his excitement at securing Camara’s services, highlighting both his junior-category achievements and the composure he demonstrated during testing.
“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Camara,” the team principal said.
“I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulas, it’s been very impressive, and in his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he’s shown in some very difficult moments, like qualifying in Monaco and Montreal that all goes to show the potential Rafa has.”
Komatsu added that Camara’s approach during the Portimão test had impressed the team beyond his lap times.
“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.”
Haas are now committed to helping the youngster make a successful transition to the sport’s top level.
“We’re all excited about this opportunity and really committed as TGR Haas F1 Team to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish,” Komatsu continued.
“We want to create an environment where he’s comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his capabilities.”
Team owner Gene Haas also believes Camara can make an immediate impact, drawing parallels with Bearman’s progression through the Ferrari Driver Academy.
“It’s a different challenge at this level but what we’ve experienced through Ollie Bearman following a similar trajectory, and association with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, these younger drivers are well prepared, and they can make an immediate impact on a team,” Haas said.
“Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season.”
Camara Looking Forward To His Formula 1 Challenge
For Camara, the move represents the culmination of years of development through the junior ranks and an opportunity to establish himself at the highest level of motorsport.
“I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” he said.
“It’s an important step in my career and 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.”
The Brazilian acknowledged that there will be plenty to learn before his first season, with preparations now turning towards understanding the car and building relationships within the team.
“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’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car, and continuing to develop as a driver,”he added.
Camara will be the second Brazilian on the expected 2027 grid alongside Gabriel Bortoleto, adding further representation from the country to Formula 1.
Bearman Expected To Remain Alongside Camara
Although Haas have confirmed Camara’s arrival, the team have yet to officially announce who will occupy their second seat next season.
Oliver Bearman is widely expected to remain with the American outfit for a third campaign, having impressed since joining in 2025.
The Briton has improved his qualifying performances and race craft while outperforming the more experienced Ocon across their time together.
Bearman’s season-best result has been fifth place in China, and he has scored 23 points compared with Ocon’s seven, according to the figures provided.
Komatsu has made clear that retaining the British driver is the team’s intention, although the final details of an extension have yet to be settled.
“We really enjoy working with him. His speed is without any shadow of a doubt. And his personality, how positive he is, how much he really motivates the team. In all aspects, I’m very happy,” Komatsu said.
“So I am very much looking forward to working with him beyond this year. And I expect it will happen but it’s just a matter of timing.”
“I’d like to think that’s going to be finalised very soon. But we’re just not ready to confirm that yet.”
Bearman remains part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, and his progress at Haas could keep him in contention for a future opportunity with the Italian team.
If his expected continuation is confirmed, Haas will enter 2027 with two young Ferrari-backed drivers, combining Bearman’s growing Formula 1 experience with Camara’s record of success in the junior categories.
For now, the focus shifts to Camara’s preparations for his debut season. Haas have made their decision based on what they saw on track, and the Brazilian will have the opportunity to prove that the speed which carried him through the junior ranks can translate into Formula 1.
