Haas has confirmed Rafael Camara for a Formula 1 race seat from 2027, partnering Oliver Bearman. The 21-year-old Ferrari junior completes an all-Ferrari academy lineup for the American team.

The decision follows multiple evaluations and simulator work, and was finalized around the Singapore Grand Prix. Sponsorship from Brazil and the Ferrari Driver Academy strengthened Camara’s case.

Camara replaces Esteban Ocon, who departed after two Haas seasons. Ocon’s next step remains unclear after Ocon’s exit from Haas drew paddock attention.

Haas considered several alternatives, including Leonardo Fornaroli, Jack Doohan, and Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa.

The shortlist narrowed to Camara versus Doohan after recent Haas tests and Pirelli tyre running.

Camara’s trajectory is strong. He joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022, won 2024 FRECA, then clinched the 2025 FIA F3 title over Nikola Tsolov.

He now leads the 2026 F2 standings by seven points over Tsolov. Pace on longer stints and improving tyre management underline suitability for current F1 race demands.

The move aligns with Haas’s Ferrari-dependent model. An all-junior pairing offers cost efficiency, Maranello support, and continuity across power unit, simulator, and component supply under the budget cap.

That strategy dovetails with Haas’s recent financial and operational gains, as it seeks to consolidate mid‑grid footing and improve development cadence. The team aims to strengthen its position in Formula 1.

Camara’s promotion restores Brazilian representation. He will join Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto on the 2027 grid, the first Brazilian duo since Felipe Massa and Felipe Nasr raced together in 2016.

Ultimately, Haas prioritized upside and backing after weighing like‑for‑like pace against Doohan. The choice capped a process featuring several 2027 Haas seat favourites before Singapore confirmed the outcome.

Camara now pivots to integration work. Expect heavy simulator mileage, correlation tasks, and limited post‑season running within testing restrictions, as Haas prepares a youthful pairing under Ayao Komatsu.

The rookie‑heavy lineup carries risk. Entering 2027, the second year of the 2026 ruleset, Haas banks on stabilising curves and Ferrari’s maturing power unit to unlock consistent points.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.