Formula 2 championship leader Rafael Camara is set to make the ultimate step up to motorsport’s highest echelon after securing a multi-year deal to drive for Haas starting from the 2027 Formula 1 season.
The 21-year-old Brazilian driver has systematically established himself as one of the most promising rising stars across junior motorsport categories in recent years. His trajectory reached a significant milestone when he secured the Formula 3 championship last year, and he now stands on the cusp of further glory as he leads the current Formula 2 standings with just two rounds of the season remaining.
Camara’s ascension has been closely monitored and nurtured by the prestigious Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, having joined their ranks in 2021. Interestingly, he signed his academy contract at the same time as fellow 21-year-old Oliver Bearman, who successfully transitioned to a Formula 1 race seat with Haas in 2025 and remains closely tied to the Maranello stable. While Haas has not yet formally confirmed that Bearman will retain his seat for the 2027 campaign, team principal Ayao Komatsu has indicated that an announcement regarding the British driver is expected to be finalized very soon.
The arrival of Camara at the American-owned outfit directly addresses the team’s future lineup following the departure of Esteban Ocon. Ocon’s exit from Haas at the conclusion of the current campaign, after a two-year tenure with the team, was officially confirmed back in September. With his future beyond the current season still a topic of paddock discussion, Ocon has maintained that he will not compete next year unless it is within the Formula 1 grid.
Reflecting on his milestone signing, Rafael Camara expressed immense pride and gratitude regarding his upcoming graduation to the pinnacle of motorsport.
"I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver," said Camara. "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."
Looking ahead to the preparations required for the massive step up, the young Brazilian emphasized his immediate priorities and his desire to integrate seamlessly into his new racing environment.
"Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge," Camara 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."
Camara’s credentials for a Formula 1 seat were further solidified earlier this year when he impressed team leadership during a test session behind the wheel of the squad’s 2025 car at Portugal’s Portimao circuit back in August. Despite having limited time to acclimatize to the machinery, his performance during the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program provided a clear indicator of his adaptability and raw pace.
Team boss Ayao Komatsu was quick to praise the young Brazilian’s underlying talent and the composure he has demonstrated throughout his motorsport career so far, particularly during demanding moments in his rookie Formula 2 campaign.
"I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara," Komatsu stated. "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."
Komatsu also highlighted the specific impressions Camara left during his private test outing in Portugal, noting that the young driver’s capabilities extended far beyond simple speed on the stopwatch.
"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," Komatsu explained. "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."
Team owner Gene Haas shares a high level of optimism regarding the young charger, expressing confidence that Camara can replicate the smooth and effective transition demonstrated by Oliver Bearman. Bearman has notably held his own and frequently outperformed his more experienced teammate, Esteban Ocon, across their two seasons together at the squad.
"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," said Haas. "Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season."
As the driver market shapes up for the future, the signing of Camara currently stands as the sole confirmed driver change on the grid for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls remains the singular team yet to officially lock in either of their driver slots for 2027, though Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad are widely regarded as the strong favorites to retain their positions within the Red Bull sister team.
Why hasn’t Bearman been confirmed for 2027?
A notable element of the official announcement regarding Camara was the explicit mention of Oliver Bearman as a fellow product of the Ferrari Driver Academy, while omitting any confirmation of him as Camara’s teammate for the 2027 campaign.
The absence of a formal confirmation for Bearman stems from the fact that the British driver has not yet finalized the final contractual terms regarding a contract extension. Such an agreement would secure his presence on the grid for a third consecutive campaign with the American-owned organization.
When questioned by Sky Sports F1 regarding the current status of Bearman’s contract negotiations, Ayao Komatsu moved to alleviate any uncertainty surrounding the young Brit’s future with the team.
"We really enjoy working with him," Komatsu said. "His speed is without any shadow of a doubt. And his personality, how positive he is, how much he really motivates the team. In all aspects, I’m very happy. So I am very much looking forward to working with him beyond this year. And I expect it will happen but it’s just a matter of timing. I’d like to think that’s going to be finalised very soon. But we’re just not ready to confirm that yet."
Formula 1 action now prepares to cross the Atlantic for the Americas leg of the world championship, featuring a demanding triple header. The action kicks off with the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, running from October 23 to 25.