--- title: "Haas Signs Formula 2 Leader Rafael Câmara for the 2027 Formula 1 Season" description: "Haas has signed 21-year-old Brazilian Rafael Câmara for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The Formula 2 leader and Ferrari Academy member was selected from four contenders and will replace the departing Esteban Ocon." date: 2026-10-16T05:51:30.458Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/haas-signs-kamaru-for-2027-f1-season tags: [formula-1, haas, rafael-camara, formula-2, ferrari-academy] author: "Inna Kinsheva" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Haas Signs Formula 2 Leader Rafael Câmara for the 2027 Formula 1 Season ![Young racing driver Rafael Câmara wearing black official team apparel outdoors](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/16/haas-podpisal-kamaru-na-sezon-2027-formula-1/haas-podpisal-kamaru-na-sezon-2027-formula-1-1.webp) ## Key Points - Haas has signed 21-year-old Brazilian Rafael Câmara for the 2027 Formula 1 season. - Câmara is the Formula 2 leader and Ferrari Driver Academy member, chosen from four contenders. - Management cited high speed and adaptation during Portimão tests as the decisive factors in the selection. - Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the 2026 season; the second seat will likely be retained by Oliver Bearman. 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. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Лидер Формулы-2 дебютирует в Ф-1: "Хаас" подписал нового пилота на сезон-2027](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/othersport/lider-formuli-2-debyutue-f-1-haas-pidpisav-1792127123.html) - Primary source: selection details, Portimão tests, quotes from Komatsu and Câmara, Ocon's departure, and Bearman's expected retention. - [Источник: «Хаас» подписал бразильца Камару на сезон-2027 вместо Окона](https://www.sport-express.ru/autosport/formula1/news/istochnik-haas-podpisal-brazilca-kamaru-na-sezon-2027-vmesto-okona-2458589/) - Confirms Câmara's signing for the 2027 season and his replacement of Ocon, referencing Formule 1. ## FAQ ### Who did Haas sign for the 2027 season? The team signed 21-year-old Brazilian Rafael Câmara, the Formula 2 leader and Ferrari Driver Academy member. ### How many contenders were there for the seat? Four: Câmara, reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, and reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa. ### Who will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 season? French driver Esteban Ocon, who will have spent two years with the team. ### Who might take the second seat for 2027? It is expected that British driver Oliver Bearman from the Ferrari Academy will keep the seat, though a final decision has not yet been announced.