Brazilian Rafael Camara will join the US-based Haas team for his debut Formula 1 season in 2027. The 21-year-old, who is leading the Formula 2 championship, was chosen after a selection process involving four drivers in total.
Camara was picked over reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa. All were assessed in tests in previous years' F1 cars. Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa were evaluated at a test at Portugal's Portimao track in August, while Doohan was assessed separately.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu praised the signing. "I'm really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara," he 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."
Haas have not yet confirmed who will partner Camara. Briton Oliver Bearman is widely expected to be confirmed for a third season. Both Bearman and Camara are members of the Ferrari driver academy. Frenchman Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the year after two seasons, Haas confirmed last month. Camara said the move was "an important step in my career" and thanked owner Gene Haas and Komatsu for their trust.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing