American team Haas has announced the signing of 21-year-old Brazilian driver Rafael Câmara for the 2027 Formula 1 season. This is reported by Sport RBC.UA with reference to the official Formula 1 website. Câmara, who leads the Formula 2 drivers' standings and is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, was chosen from four candidates for the seat. The contract signing marks the Brazilian's debut in top-tier motorsport.
Selection Among Four Contenders
Four drivers vied for the Haas seat: Câmara, reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, and team reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa. Candidates were evaluated during testing with previous-year cars. Câmara, Fornaroli, and Hirakawa tested the cars at the Portuguese circuit of Portimão in August, while Doohan tested separately. Following the selection process, the Brazilian was given the nod.
Path Through Junior Series
Câmara is a Ferrari Driver Academy member and leads the Formula 2 championship. In his debut season in the series, he secured three feature race victories and four additional podium finishes. Previously, the Brazilian won the European Formula 3 championship in 2025, and prior to that, he became the Formula Regional European Championship winner in 2024. Thus, his path to Formula 1 has been marked by consecutive victories in junior series.
Test Evaluation and Management Words
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu explained that the Brazilian's speed was the decisive factor. According to him, Câmara not only demonstrated high pace but also handled the car well with limited adaptation time. Team owner Gene Haas also praised the young driver's results and his performances in junior series, confirming the contract decision.
Second Driver Question and Ocon's Departure
Haas has not yet officially announced who will take the second seat in the team for the 2027 season. It is expected to be retained by British driver Oliver Bearman, who, like Câmara, is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. Komatsu confirmed that the team wants to continue working with Bearman, though details need to be finalized for a definitive decision. Meanwhile, French driver Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the 2026 season after two years with the squad.
Câmara's Reaction
The Brazilian called the contract signing an important career step and thanked the Haas management for their trust. "Now my focus is on preparing better for this new challenge. There is a lot to learn ahead, and I look forward to working closely with the team, getting to know the car, and continuing to develop as a driver," Câmara stated. It was previously reported that Formula 1 will return to Africa after a 37-year hiatus, adding context to the upcoming seasons' schedules.
