Haas secures 21‑year‑old Rafael Camara for 2027 Formula 1 seat
The Ferrari‑backed Brazilian has signed a multi‑year deal to replace Esteban Ocon in the Haas F1 team, bringing a record‑setting rise through junior formulas.
16 Oct 2026 0 reads Compiled with AI
#Rafael Camara #Haas #Formula 1 #Ferrari Driver Academy #Oliver Bearman
Rafael Camara, 21, a Ferrari Driver Academy member since 2022, has just secured a multi‑year Formula 1 seat with Haas for 2027. The Brazilian has won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024, the Formula 3 title in 2025, and is currently leading the Formula 2 standings with three victories and four podiums. His rapid climb—three championships in four seasons—has drawn the attention of the Haas team, which uses Ferrari engines and has a long‑standing partnership with the Scuderia.
Haas selects Camara
Haas confirmed Camara after a test of its 2025 chassis at Portimao, where he impressed with speed and adaptability. The team evaluated other candidates—including McLaren‑linked Leonardo Fornaroli and Toyota‑affiliated Ryo Hirakawa—before settling on the Ferrari‑backed driver. Camara will partner Oliver Bearman, another Ferrari Academy member whose contract has not yet been officially ratified. The deal replaces Esteban Ocon, who is leaving the team at the end of 2026, and marks Haas’s continued focus on developing young talent.
Camara has chosen the number 50 for his Haas car, citing his birthday of 5‑5‑05. His first choice, 5, is already taken by Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto, also an Invicta Racing alumnus. The new driver expressed gratitude to Gene Haas, Ayao Komatsu, and the Ferrari Academy for the opportunity. He will now prepare for his Formula 1 debut, aiming to translate his junior‑series success into the sport’s top tier.