Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara will join Haas on a multi-year contract from the 2027 season as the Brazilian prepares to make his debut in Formula 1, Sky Sports reports. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the promising talents in motorsport’s junior categories, having won the Formula 3…...
Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara will join Haas on a multi-year contract from the 2027 season as the Brazilian prepares to make his debut in Formula 1, Sky Sports reports.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the promising talents in motorsport’s junior categories, having won the Formula 3 championship last year and currently leading the Formula 2 standings with two rounds remaining in the season.
Camara’s move to Haas comes after his development through the Ferrari Driver Academy, which he joined in 2021 alongside fellow Brazilian?
He joined the academy in the same year as Oliver Bearman, who moved to Haas in 2025 and remains part of Ferrari’s driver programme.
Haas have yet to confirm whether Bearman will continue with the team in 2027, although team principal Ayao Komatsu said an announcement was expected “very soon”.
Camara will replace Esteban Ocon, whose departure from Haas at the end of the current season was confirmed in September after two years with the team.
“I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” Camara said.
Read Also: Rwanda Signs 10-Year Deal To Host Formula 1 African Grand Prix
“It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me. I’m 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 focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge. There will be a lot to learn and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”
The Brazilian impressed Haas during a test of the team’s 2025 car at the Portimao circuit in Portugal in August.
Komatsu expressed his excitement over the signing, praising Camara’s performances in the junior categories and the potential he has demonstrated during his debut Formula 2 campaign.
“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara,” the Haas team principal said.
“I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulas, it’s been very impressive, and in his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he’s shown in some very difficult moments, like qualifying in Monaco and Montreal – that all goes to show the potential Rafa has.
“He showed when we had him drive in our TPC program in Portugal that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of 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 certainly the laps he completed were special.
“We’re all excited about this opportunity, and really committed as TGR Haas F1 Team to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish. We want to create an environment where he’s comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his capabilities.”
Haas owner Gene Haas also backed the decision, pointing to Bearman’s progress as an example of how young drivers can make an immediate impact when given the opportunity.
“It’s a different challenge at this level but what we’ve experienced through Ollie Bearman following a similar trajectory, and association with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, these younger drivers are well prepared and they can make an immediate impact on a team,” Haas said.
“Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season.”
Camara’s arrival is currently expected to be the only driver change on the 2027 Formula 1 grid, according to Sky Sports.
Racing Bulls remain the only team yet to confirm either of their drivers for next season, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad considered strong favourites to retain their seats.