Source: Official Team Post via X
Ferrari's Rafael Camara to Join Haas, Replacing Esteban Ocon in 2027
Rafael Camara, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, is set to debut in Formula 1 with Haas in 2027, taking over from Esteban Ocon. The young Brazilian's impressive junior career has paved the way for his promotion to the top tier of motorsport.
In a significant move for the 2027 Formula 1 season, Haas has announced that Rafael Camara, the promising young talent from the Ferrari Driver Academy, will be stepping into a full-time F1 seat. This decision marks the end of Esteban Ocon's tenure with the American team, as his contract comes to a close in 2026.
The 21-year-old Brazilian has been turning heads on the racing circuit, drawing comparisons to other notable F1 drivers like George Russell and Charles Leclerc. Camara is on track to clinch consecutive championships in both FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2, a feat that further cements his potential for success in Formula 1.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed his enthusiasm for bringing Camara on board, highlighting the young driver's remarkable achievements in junior categories. "Rafael has demonstrated exceptional talent and speed, even in challenging conditions such as qualifying sessions in Monaco and Montreal," Komatsu remarked. "His performance in our TPC programme in Portugal showed us he has more than just raw speed; he has the ability to extract the best from himself in various environments."
Camara's signing comes after a rigorous evaluation process, including a TPC test at Portimao in August, where he competed against other potential candidates such as McLaren's reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas' own Ryo Hirakawa. Camara's impressive performance, reportedly surpassing that of Oliver Bearman, helped solidify Haas' decision.
The Brazilian's journey in motorsport began with strong finishes in the UAE Formula 4 Championship, as well as the Italian and German editions in 2022. His steady rise continued with notable performances in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship and culminated in a championship win in the 2024 Formula Regional European series. Camara's prowess was further underscored by his 2025 FIA F3 title victory, where he outpaced Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov by 42 points.
Currently leading the FIA F2 standings, Camara has two rounds remaining in the 2026 season, holding a seven-point lead over Tsolov with three wins and five poles under his belt. His progression through the ranks has been supported by not only Ferrari but also his Brazilian sponsors, factors that undoubtedly influenced Haas' decision to secure his services.
Camara expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the support from Ferrari and his family throughout his development. "Joining TGR Haas F1 Team is a major milestone in my career," he said. "I'm thankful for the trust shown by Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu, and I look forward to learning and contributing to the team in every way I can."
With Camara stepping into the limelight, questions remain about Esteban Ocon's future in F1. While some fans note his consistent performance despite lacking the same upgrades as Bearman, the competitive nature of the sport often prioritizes youth and potential over experience.
As 2027 approaches, Haas seems poised to cultivate a dynamic and youthful lineup, with Camara at the forefront of their strategy to make waves in the Formula 1 paddock.