Rafael Camara to make F1 debut with Haas in 2027

Brazilian Rafael Camara will join the US-based Haas team for his debut Formula 1 season in 2027. The move follows an evaluation process conducted by Haas involving four drivers.

The 21-year-old is currently leading the Formula 2 championship and was selected after that four-driver assessment. Camara was chosen ahead of reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa. The evaluation included running candidates in previous years' F1 cars as part of Haas's programme.

Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa were assessed at a test at Portugal's Portimao track in August, while Doohan was evaluated separately.

"I'm really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara," Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu 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. "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."

Camara said: "It's an important step in my career and I want to thank (owner) Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me. "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."

Haas have not said who will race their other car next season, but it is considered only a matter of time before Briton Oliver Bearman is confirmed in the seat for a third season; Bearman and Camara are both members of the Ferrari driver academy. Haas confirmed at the end of last month that Frenchman Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the year after two seasons alongside Bearman.