Haas has settled one of Formula 1's most intriguing pieces of its 2027 driver-market puzzle, handing F2 championship leader Rafael Camara the opportunity to graduate to the sport's premier category after a stunning rise through the junior ranks.
The American outfit has signed the 21-year-old Brazilian to a multi-year deal, confirming that he will replace Esteban Ocon next season in a move that places its faith in a driver whose progress has been difficult to ignore.
With successive championship titles in Formula Regional European and Formula 3 already on his CV, Camara now stands on the threshold of completing a remarkable ascent to F1.
And if he can convert his current Formula 2 championship lead into the title, his promotion will come with an even more impressive distinction: he would become the first driver to win FRECA, F3 and F2 in consecutive seasons.
For Haas, meanwhile, the appointment represents a calculated investment in youth, with team principal Ayao Komatsu convinced that the Brazilian has demonstrated qualities extending well beyond outright speed.
“I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” said Camara, who is currently competing with Invicta in F2.
“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.
The call has been answered. Welcome, Rafael Câmara ☎️🇧🇷
#HaasF1 #F1 https://t.co/g0ilNvGHMj
— TGR Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) October 15, 2026
“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.”
A rapid rise worthy of an F1 opportunity
Camara's route to Formula 1 has been built on a succession of commanding campaigns. He captured the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship before sweeping to the F3 crown in 2025, establishing himself as one of Ferrari's most promising young prospects.
His first season in F2 has added another compelling chapter. Leading Nikola Tsolov by seven points with four races to go, the Brazilian has handled the step up while producing performances that have caught the attention of Haas's decision-makers.
The team did not rush into announcing its choice. Camara was recently evaluated alongside reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, with all three participating in the team's Testing of Previous Cars programme.
A three-day outing at Portimao in August formed a particularly important part of that assessment, giving Haas an opportunity to examine the candidates behind the wheel rather than relying solely on their junior-category results.
Camara's connection to Ferrari also strengthens the fit. A graduate of the Scuderia's Driver Academy, he shares that background with Oliver Bearman, the young Briton who has impressed since joining Haas as a rookie in 2025.
Ferrari's technical relationship with Haas, which includes the supply of power units and other components, provides an additional link between the organisations.
'Rafa managed to get the best out of himself'
Komatsu believes the Brazilian's performances under pressure, as well as his work during testing, convinced the team that he was ready for the challenge.
“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara,” said the Haas team boss.
“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 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.
“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 has made its choice after testing its options. Now Camara must turn the promise that earned him the seat into the foundations of an F1 career.
Read also:
Ocon: Haas exit ‘not really the way it should be’
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