Ferrari protege Rafael Câmara completes Haas driver line-up for F1 2027

Brazilian sensation Rafael Câmara will replace Esteban Ocon at Haas in 2027, the team confirmed on Thursday.

Câmara, 21, the reigning Formula 3 champion and current Formula 2 leader, has joined on a multiyear deal. He will partner fellow Ferrari Driver Academy member Oliver Bearman at the team next season.

Haas had already confirmed Ocon will leave at the end of the year -- the one-time F1 race winner has yet to find his next move.

Câmara's signing sets up a fascinating situation at the Ferrari partner team -- Bearman has long been seen as the next in line to replace Lewis Hamilton whenever he moves on, but Câmara's arrival will likely force the narrative that it's an ongoing audition for that seat should the opportunity arise.

Câmara paid tribute to Haas and Ferrari, who signed him to their programme in 2021, for the move.

"I'm very happy to be joining Haas as a Formula 1 driver," said Câmara. "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."

Câmara has already tested for Haas, with the team giving him mileage in the 2025 car under the Testing of Previous Car (TPC) rules at Portugal's Portimao circuit in August.

Former Alpine driver Jack Doohan, McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli and Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa were all given opportunities to test for Haas as well, but sources have told ESPN Camara emerged as the clear favourite in terms of pace.

The youngster will have several opportunities to participate in Friday practice for the team between now and the end of the year, including his home race in Brazil at the start of November.

For Haas, it's the chance to sign another highly promising young driver to their roster.

Komatsu said Câmara especially impressed during the Portimao test.

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"I'm really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Câmara," said Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal of TGR Haas F1 Team. "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."

The move will only bolster Haas' partnership with Ferrari, which has existed since the American team's F1 debut in 2016.

Team owner Gene Haas added: "I'm excited to see what Rafael Câmara can achieve in Formula 1 having seen his accomplishments coming up through the ranks in Formula 3 and now Formula 2 this year. 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.

"Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season."