LONDON — Brazilian Rafael Camara will join Haas for his debut Formula 1 season in 2027, the US-based outfit have confirmed. The 21-year-old, who is leading the Formula 2 championship, was chosen over three other drivers after evaluation tests in previous years' F1 cars.
Camara was picked ahead of reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa. Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa were all assessed at a test at Portugal's Portimao track in August, with Doohan evaluated separately. "I'm really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara," Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said. "He showed when we had him drive in our programme 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."
Komatsu added: "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." Camara said: "It's an important step in my career and I want to thank (owner) Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me. Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge."
He added: "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." Haas have not said who will race their other car next season, but Briton Oliver Bearman is expected to be confirmed for a third season. Bearman and Camara are both members of the Ferrari driver academy, while Frenchman Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the year after two seasons alongside Bearman, as Haas confirmed at the end of last month.