Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has clarified the manufacturer’s position regarding Rafael Camara’s immediate Formula 1 prospects. Camara, a Ferrari Driver Academy member, is currently leading the 2026 Formula 2 Championship. His future has been a subject of discussion, particularly concerning a potential early F1 debut with Haas.
Vasseur stated that Camara’s primary focus remains the completion of his Formula 2 season. This stance comes as Haas evaluates its driver lineup for the remaining 2026 F1 races following Esteban Ocon’s departure.
Reports from the Brazilian Grand Prix paddock indicate that Haas has not yet formally approached Ferrari regarding an early release for Camara to compete in the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix or subsequent events. Vasseur confirmed this lack of contact.
Ferrari would need to grant Camara an early release if Haas were to pursue him for the current season. However, Vasseur emphasized his support for Camara while maintaining that he would not interfere with Haas’s internal driver decisions.
Esteban Ocon’s tenure at Haas concluded after the Japanese Grand Prix, with the team citing performance-related issues. Ryo Hirakawa, a Toyota factory driver and Haas reserve, subsequently replaced Ocon for the Mexican Grand Prix.
Hirakawa made his Formula 1 race debut in Mexico, partnering with Oliver Bearman. Haas has not confirmed its driver lineup for the São Paulo Grand Prix or the final races of the 2026 season.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu is evaluating several options for the remainder of the 2026 season. These include Hirakawa, along with junior drivers Jack Doohan and Rafael Camara.
Camara currently holds a seven-point lead over Nikola Tsolov in the 2026 Formula 2 Championship. The final two rounds of the season are scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
However, there have been logistical concerns regarding the Qatar F2 event due to ongoing Middle East conflict. The FIA is expected to make a final decision on the Qatar round by mid-November.
If the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds proceed as planned, a maximum of 78 points would still be available. This means Camara has not yet mathematically secured the F2 title.
For the 2027 F1 season, Rafael Camara has signed a multi-year deal to race for Haas, replacing Esteban Ocon. This decision was announced in October 2026.
Camara’s performance in a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) outing with Haas in August, where he drove the team’s 2025 F1 car, was a significant factor in securing his 2027 seat.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed excitement about signing Camara, noting his talent and strong junior career, which includes winning the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship and the 2025 Formula 3 title.
“I support Rafa, but he must first finish Formula 2,” Vasseur stated.
While Camara is confirmed for 2027, the second Haas seat is widely expected to go to Oliver Bearman, who is also a Ferrari junior. No official confirmation has been made regarding Bearman’s 2027 contract.
