Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut for Haas in 2027 and is expected to line up alongside Oliver Bearman.
The 21-year-old Brazilian replaces Esteban Ocon who will leave the American team at the end of 2026 after two disappointing seasons, with his departure confirmed on September 30.
Camara enjoyed a rapid rise through the junior ranks, winning the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship title and the 2025 F3 crown, both achieved in dominant fashion.
So if he wins the F2 championship for Invicta – he currently leads Nikola Tsolov by seven points – he will become the only driver to have won FRECA, F3 and F2 in consecutive seasons.
“I am very happy to join TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” said Camara, who signed a “multi-year” contract.
“This is an important step in my career and I would like to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me.
Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Mark Thompson / Getty Images
“I am also very grateful to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for their support and for everything they have contributed to my development over the years, as well as to my family for always being there throughout this journey.
“Now my goal is to prepare in the best possible way for this new challenge. There will be a lot to learn and I look forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”
Although Haas took its time to confirm the move, Camara was fully expected to secure the seat and triumph over reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa.
All three participated in TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programs for Haas, the most notable being a three-day test at Portimao in August as part of a plan to evaluate all candidates.
What would also have helped Camara’s cause is that he graduated from the Ferrari academy – like Bearman – and that the Scuderia has a close relationship with Haas, selling him many auto parts like the powertrain.
Team boss Ayao Komatsu said: “I am really excited to sign such a young and incredible talent like Rafael Camara.
Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
“I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in junior formulas, it has been very impressive, and in his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he showed in some very difficult moments, like qualifying in Monaco and Montreal – all this shows Rafa’s potential.
“He showed when we ran him in our TPC program in Portugal that he could do very well with little time to learn the car, he showed us more than just raw speed.
“Rafa managed to create an environment to get the best out of himself, it was very impressive and the tricks he performed were certainly special.
“We are all excited about this opportunity and truly committed as TGR Haas F1 Team to nurturing this talent and giving it a place where it can flourish.
“We want to create an environment where he feels comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his abilities.”
The news means there are only three seats theoretically available for 2027, two of which are at Racing Bulls, but it is expected to retain Liam Lawson and impressive rookie Arvid Lindblad.
The other is the seat alongside Camara, although it is no open secret that this will be occupied by Bearman, 21, who has very impressed since his arrival as a rookie last year.
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