- Current Formula 2 championship leader and Ferrari junior Rafael Camara has signed a multi-year contract to race for Haas in Formula 1 starting in 2027.
- The 21-year-old Brazilian driver earned the seat following title wins in FRECA and Formula 3, along with an impressive Testing of Previous Car (TPC) outing with Haas at Portimao.
- The move comes as Esteban Ocon prepares to depart Haas at the end of the season, with Ollie Bearman expected to retain his seat alongside Camara.
Rafael Camara Steps Up to Formula 1 with Haas Multi-Year Agreement
Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy member and current Formula 2 points leader Rafael Camara will make his official Formula 1 debut in 2027 after securing a multi-year contract with the American outfit Haas. The 21-year-old Brazilian prospect has quickly climbed the motorsport hierarchy, turning heads in the junior categories and establishing himself as one of the sport’s brightest rising talents.
Camara first entered single-seater racing under the guidance of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022. His upward momentum surged when he claimed the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA), earning an immediate step up to Formula 3 for the subsequent campaign. In F3, Camara matched Arvid Lindblad for the highest win percentage in the series’ history en route to another championship trophy, promptly punching his ticket to Formula 2.
A Dominant Rookie Campaign in Formula 2
In his rookie Formula 2 season, Camara has continued his championship-winning form. He presently sits at the top of the drivers’ standings with a seven-point buffer over Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, underpinned by three Feature Race victories and four additional podium finishes. Beyond his junior category racecraft, Camara demonstrated his adaptability behind the wheel of modern F1 machinery during a Testing of Previous Car (TPC) session at Portimao in August, where he piloted Haas’ 2025 car.
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Camara expressed his enthusiasm about joining the grid, stating:
“Iām very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” said Camara. “Itās an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas [team owner] and Ayao Komatsu [Haas Team Principal] for the trust they have placed in me.
“Iām 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 Iām looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”
Leadership Backing from Ayao Komatsu and Gene Haas
Haas team leadership praised Camara’s raw pace, composure, and work ethic. Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu noted:
“Iām really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Camara. I donāt need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulas, itās been very impressive, and in his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed heās shown in some very difficult moments, like qualifying in Monaco and Montreal ā 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.
“Weāre 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 heās comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his capabilities.”
Team owner Gene Haas echoed those sentiments, highlighting the team’s positive history with Ferrari-supported junior drivers:
āIām excited to see what Camara can achieve in Formula 1 having seen his accomplishments coming up through the ranks in Formula 3 and now Formula 2 this year.
“Itās a different challenge at this level but what weāve 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.
“Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season.ā
Why This Matters
The signing of Rafael Camara marks an ongoing shift in driver recruitment strategy for Haas, reinforcing their technical and sporting collaboration with Scuderia Ferrari. Following the confirmation that Esteban Ocon will depart Haas at the end of the current season, the American outfit is positioning itself around youth and long-term development. With fellow Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman widely expected to retain his seat, Haas looks set to field one of the grid’s youngest and most dynamic pairings, relying on drivers who have emerged directly through Ferrari’s structured development pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Rafael Camara join Haas in Formula 1?
Rafael Camara will join Haas as a full-time Formula 1 race driver for the 2027 season under a multi-year contract.
What junior racing championships has Rafael Camara won?
Camara won the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) in 2024 and captured the Formula 3 title the following season, matching Arvid Lindblad’s record for the highest win percentage in F3 history.
Who is Camara replacing at Haas?
Camara’s arrival comes following the confirmed exit of Esteban Ocon, who is leaving the American squad at the end of the season.
