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The Formula 1 driver market has been remarkably stable lately, with most teams choosing to renew existing contracts rather than shake things up. But Haas decided to break that exact strategy. After Baku, the American team confirmed that one-time race winner Esteban Ocon will not receive a third season with the squad. With sophomore Ollie Bearman outperforming Ocon, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu chose to evaluate his options and look at exciting young talent on the market.
To find his next driver, Komatsu utilized the Haas Testing of Previous Cars programme. He ran F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, current F2 championship leader Rafael Camara, and Haas reserve drivers Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan. During the test in Portimao, Portugal, Camara stood out very quickly. The Brazilian has improved constantly throughout his season with Invicta Racing in F2, taking the championship lead with two race weekends remaining. When the 21-year-old climbed into F1 machinery, his raw speed and ability to get on the pace instantly shone through.
There is plenty more backing up the decision, too. Ferrari, who have partnered with Haas since the American team entered the sport in 2016, rate Camara highly after evaluating him both on and off the track through their junior programme. Add in the fact that the reigning F3 champion is a very attractive proposition from a commercial perspective, and you can see why he became such an enticing prospect. Promoting a rookie is always a risk, especially one who has not yet tested current F1 machinery on a Grand Prix weekend, but Komatsu found confidence from successfully taking a chance on Bearman.
Bearman has been stellar since joining Haas in 2025, proving the team knows how to help a rising star reach their potential. While there was no mention of who will occupy the second seat alongside the new arrival, sources say Bearman is favourite to retain his drive. The 21-year-old Briton has levelled up in his second season, improving both his single-lap pace and his race craft. With a season’s best finish of fifth in China and 23 points to Ocon’s seven, Komatsu is keen to keep him, and it is just a matter of finalising a few small details before a new deal is inked.
Ferrari are also understood to be happy with Bearman's progress and want him to continue with Haas for now, though sources indicate he remains in contention for a future step up to the famous Italian squad. For now, the impending arrival of Camara for next season means he will be the second Brazilian on the grid, joining Gabriel Bortoleto.
