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Montoya Highlights Rafa Camara's Potential to Succeed Hamilton

Source: Official Team Post via X

Montoya Highlights Rafa Camara's Potential to Succeed Hamilton

Rafa Camara is set to join Haas for the 2027 F1 season, bringing his impressive one-lap pace to the grid. Juan Pablo Montoya believes this talent could eventually position Camara as a contender for Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari seat.

Rafa Camara is gearing up to make his Formula 1 debut with Haas in the 2027 season, stepping in as Esteban Ocon's replacement. This move puts him alongside Ollie Bearman, another promising talent from Ferrari's junior program. With both drivers under the Ferrari umbrella, their performances at Haas will be closely watched by the Scuderia, especially as they consider future successors for Lewis Hamilton.

Juan Pablo Montoya, a seasoned F1 observer, has noted Camara's standout quality: his exceptional one-lap pace. Montoya remarked on AS Colombia about Camara's journey, "Camara won the F3 Championship and he's leading the F2 Championship. He's had some ups and downs, but his recent form has been strong, particularly in qualifying." Montoya added, "In a qualifying lap, he does a spectacular job, and that always makes a difference."

Ferrari's current star, Lewis Hamilton, continues to perform at a high level, but at 41, the team must think ahead. With Camara and Bearman both showcasing their skills at Haas, Ferrari will be evaluating who might eventually fill Hamilton's boots. Montoya speculates that if Camara can outpace Bearman, whom many see as Hamilton's natural successor, the Brazilian might just shift the narrative in his favor.

The decision by Haas to field two Ferrari juniors might seem risky, given the potential for Ferrari to reclaim their talents. However, it also places Haas in a favorable position, benefiting from Ferrari's support. As the 2027 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Camara and Bearman to see who might emerge as the leading candidate to succeed a legend like Hamilton.