Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara will join Haas on a multi-year deal from the 2027 season as the Brazilian driver steps up to Formula 1.
Camara, 21, has established himself as a rising star over recent years in the junior categories. He won last year’s Formula 3 championship and leads this year’s Formula 2 standings with two rounds of the season to go.
He is a member of Ferrari’s driver academy after joining in 2021, signing at the same time as fellow 21-year-old Oliver Bearman, who joined Haas in 2025 and remains on the Scuderia’s books. Haas have not yet confirmed that Bearman will drive for them again in 2027 but team principal Ayao Komatsu says they expect to do so “very soon”.
Camara replaces Esteban Ocon, whose departure from Haas at the end of this season after two years was confirmed in September.
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“I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” said Camara.
“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.
“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.”
Camara impressed when he tested the team’s 2025 car at Portugal’s Portimao track in August.
Team boss Komatsu said: “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.
“He showed when we had him drive in our TPC program in Portugal 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.
“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.
“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. We want to create an environment where he’s comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his capabilities.”
Camara is part of Ferrari’s driver academy
Team owner Gene Haas is optimistic Camara is capable of having a similar impact to Bearman, who has outperformed the more-experienced Ocon in both their seasons at the team.
“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,” said Haas.
“Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season.”
As it stands, Haas’ signing of Camara is set to represent the only driver change on next season’s grid. Racing Bulls are the one team still to confirm either of their drivers for 2027, but Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are strong favourites to stay on.
Why hasn’t Bearman been confirmed for 2027?
It was notable the press release mentioned Bearman as a fellow Ferrari Driver Academy product but not as Camara’s confirmed team-mate for the 2027 season.
That is because the Brit has yet to finalise terms with the team over an extension, which would take him into a third campaign with the American-owned squad.
Asked on Thursday to clarify Bearman’s situation, Komatsu told Sky Sports F1: “We really enjoy working with him.
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“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.
“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.”
Formula 1 next heads to The Americas for another triple header with the United States Grand Prix in Austin up first on October 23-25, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
