Ferrari Driver Academy member Rafael Camara participated in a three-day private test with Haas at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão. The session, conducted under Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations, saw Camara drive the 2025-specification VF-25 car. This test is part of Haas’s evaluation process for its 2027 driver lineup.
Camara was joined by Haas reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa and McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli. Unofficial reports from the test indicate that Camara delivered the strongest performance among the three contenders. All drivers were assessed against a benchmark established by current Haas driver Oliver Bearman.
The TPC programme allows teams to run cars from at least two seasons prior to the current championship, primarily for driver development. These sessions help young drivers acclimate to Formula 1 machinery and accumulate the necessary mileage for a Free Practice Super License. No official lap times are released from such private tests.
Camara is currently competing in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship with Invicta Racing. He holds third position in the standings with 145 points. The Brazilian is 22 points behind championship leader Nikola Tsolov.
His 2026 F2 season includes two feature race victories, secured at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Spa-Francorchamps. Camara is also the reigning FIA Formula 3 champion, having won the title in the 2025 season.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has affirmed the Scuderia’s substantial support for Camara. This backing includes financial assistance and extensive TPC running, aimed at preparing him for future tests and upcoming seasons.
Leonardo Fornaroli, another contender in the Portimão test, is the reigning Formula 2 champion, having secured the title in 2025. He also won the Formula 3 championship in 2024. Fornaroli serves as a reserve driver for McLaren.
Fornaroli has gained Formula 1 experience through official Free Practice 1 sessions with McLaren at Barcelona and Hungary during the current 2026 season. He also completed a previous test with Haas at Jerez in June.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella have publicly expressed their belief that Fornaroli merits a place on the Formula 1 grid. McLaren is reportedly open to a loan arrangement for Fornaroli to secure a 2027 seat with another team.
Ryo Hirakawa, Haas’s reserve driver, also participated in the Portimão evaluation. Hirakawa, who is 32 years old, is backed by Toyota and competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship. He has made multiple FP1 appearances for Haas in 2026, including at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Haas team has not yet confirmed its driver lineup for the 2027 season. Oliver Bearman, who joined Haas as a full-time driver in 2025, is expected to continue with the team, likely on loan from Ferrari. His contract extends until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Esteban Ocon’s future at Haas beyond the 2026 season remains uncertain. His multi-year agreement, which began in 2025, includes an option for 2027. Ocon has scored 3 points in the current 2026 season, while Bearman has accumulated 18 points.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu has stated that the team is not expediting its decision on the 2027 driver pairing. Komatsu’s focus remains on maximizing the performance of the current drivers, Bearman and Ocon.
Other drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda and fellow Haas reserve Jack Doohan, have also been linked with potential opportunities at the American team for the 2027 season.
