Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has dismissed the suggestion that his squad have become a "Ferrari B-team" after confirming the signing of a second driver from the Italian team's academy.
Haas announced on Thursday that 21-year-old Brazilian Rafael Camara will drive for them in 2027 under a multi-year contract. Camara will line up alongside fellow Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) product Oliver Bearman, and confirmation that the Briton will stay with Haas for a third season is expected soon.
Asked whether Camara's signing could change perceptions of Haas' identity, Komatsu said the collaboration with Ferrari gives the team access to Ferrari Academy drivers, but insisted Haas chooses its drivers independently. He said Haas first tested Bearman in Mexico in 2024 and later tested Camara in Portimao, adding that Ferrari never pressured the team to take either driver. "They are Haas F1 team drivers and we are under no obligation or pressure to take anyone from Ferrari," he said. "So that Ferrari B-team thing is just not even a starter."
Komatsu also played down the prospect of a rivalry between Bearman and Camara to impress Ferrari becoming a problem for Haas. With Charles Leclerc recently extending his Ferrari contract and Lewis Hamilton's future beyond 2027 unclear, both drivers could be contenders for a future Ferrari seat, making their performances at Haas potentially decisive for their F1 careers.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing