According to Motorsport.com, the Formula 1 grid is getting a fresh face as Rafael Camara prepares to make his debut with Haas in 2027. The 21-year-old Brazilian takes the seat currently held by Esteban Ocon, whose exit from the American outfit following two difficult seasons was confirmed on 30 September.
Camara's ascent through the junior categories has been nothing short of stunning. He secured the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship title and the 2025 F3 crown in dominant fashion. Now leading the standings by seven points over Nikola Tsolov while racing for Invicta Racing, he stands on the verge of an incredible achievement: if he clinches the F2 title, he will become the sole driver to capture FRECA, F3, and F2 crowns in consecutive seasons.
Securing a multi-year deal, Camara expressed his delight at joining the TGR Haas F1 Team. He thanked Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for their trust, while also acknowledging the backing of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and his family throughout his career.
That Ferrari connection certainly played its part. Camara is a Ferrari academy graduate—sharing that pedigree with Oliver Bearman—and the Scuderia supplies power units and various components to the American squad. Earning the seat was no small task, however. He triumphed over competition from reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa. All three candidates completed testing through TPC programmes, highlighted by a rigorous three-day test at Portimao in August designed to evaluate the contenders.
Haas team boss Ayao Komatsu praised the incoming rookie's speed during difficult moments like qualifying sessions in Monaco and Montreal, as well as his composure during the Portuguese test. Komatsu noted that the laps completed by the young Brazilian showed special potential well beyond raw speed.
With this move, Esteban Ocon departs the squad at the end of 2026. Meanwhile, just three seats theoretically remain unconfirmed for the 2027 grid. Two are situated at Racing Bulls, though Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad are expected to stay put, while the final spot alongside Camara is widely anticipated to go to the 21-year-old Oliver Bearman after his impressive rookie campaign.
