Haas has confirmed Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut with the team in 2027. The 21-year-old Brazilian, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, has signed a multi-year contract. He will replace Esteban Ocon, whose departure from the American outfit was announced last month.
Ocon’s contract with Haas concludes at the end of the current 2026 season. His exit was officially confirmed on September 30, 2026, following two seasons with the team. Ocon joined Haas for the 2025 campaign.
Camara currently leads the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship in his rookie season. Driving for Invicta Racing, he holds a seven-point advantage over Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov. Two rounds remain in the F2 calendar, scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
His ascent through the junior categories has been consistent. Camara secured the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship title with Prema Racing. He then won the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2025 with Trident.
In his F2 rookie year, Camara has achieved three feature race victories. These wins occurred in Spain, Belgium, and Azerbaijan. He also maintains a qualifying average of 2.54.
Haas evaluated several drivers for the 2027 seat. Camara participated in a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at Portimao in August. He drove the team’s 2025 F1 car, the VF-25, impressing the team.
Other candidates considered included McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli, Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa, and Jack Doohan. Camara’s performance in the Portimao test was a key factor in his selection.
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu expressed satisfaction with the signing. Komatsu highlighted Camara’s junior formula achievements and his ability to handle difficult situations.
I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara. 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.
Camara will partner fellow Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman at Haas in 2027. This continues the close technical collaboration between Ferrari and Haas. The team will field a lineup of two Ferrari Driver Academy members.
Camara joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021. His karting career included winning the WSK Champions Cup and WSK Super Master Series in 2021. He began single-seater racing in 2022.
Esteban Ocon joined Haas for the 2025 season. He has recorded 12 points finishes across 39 Grands Prix with the team. His best result was a fifth-place finish in China during 2025.
Ocon has stated his intention to remain in Formula 1 for 2027. He indicated a willingness to take on a third driver role if a full-time race seat is not secured.
