Brazilian rising star Rafael Camara has been confirmed as a Haas Formula 1 driver for the 2027 season, earning his promotion to the sport’s top tier following an impressive rise through the junior categories.
The 21-year-old, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship, will join the American outfit on a multi-year agreement after establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in Ferrari’s driver development programme.
Rafael Camara
F1 Debut 2027 Bahrain Grand Prix
Current/Last Team Haas
Camara has enjoyed a remarkable progression through single-seater racing since joining the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022.
He claimed the Formula Regional European Championship title in 2024 before stepping up to Formula 3 in 2025, where he secured another championship and equalled Arvid Lindblad‘s record for the highest winning percentage in the category’s history.
His success continued with promotion to Formula 2 in 2026, where he has quickly emerged as a championship contender despite being in his rookie season.
With three Feature Race victories and four additional podium finishes, Camara currently holds a seven-point advantage over Red Bull-backed Nikola Tsolov in the drivers’ standings.
His performances have now convinced Haas to hand him a full-time Formula 1 opportunity.
Camara excited for next chapter with Haas
Camara’s promotion follows an encouraging introduction to Formula 1 machinery earlier this year.
In August, the Brazilian completed a Testing of Previous Car (TPC) programme at Portugal’s Portimao circuit, driving Haas’ 2025 car.
The test provided the team with an opportunity to evaluate his pace, adaptability and technical approach before committing to his promotion.
Speaking following the announcement, Camara expressed his excitement about securing a place on the Formula 1 grid.
“I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” said Camara.
“It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas [team owner] and Ayao Komatsu [Haas Team Principal] 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.”
Komatsu impressed by Camara’s speed and maturity
Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu believes Camara possesses the qualities required to succeed in Formula 1, highlighting both his junior racing achievements and the impression he made during his first outing with the team.
“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Camara,” Komatsu said.
“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.”
Komatsu also revealed that Camara demonstrated considerably more than outright pace during his test in Portugal, with his ability to adapt quickly particularly impressing Haas personnel.
“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.”
The Haas boss emphasised that the team intends to provide Camara with the support necessary to develop as he adjusts to the demands of Formula 1.
“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.”
Gene Haas draws comparisons with Oliver Bearman
Team owner Gene Haas has also welcomed the signing, pointing to Oliver Bearman‘s transition from Ferrari’s junior programme into Formula 1 as evidence that young drivers can make an immediate impression.
“I’m excited to see what Camara can achieve in Formula 1 having seen his accomplishments coming up through the ranks in Formula 3 and now Formula 2 this year,” Haas said.
“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.”
Bearman, another Ferrari-backed driver, is expected to remain with Haas for 2027, potentially giving the American squad one of the youngest driver combinations on the grid.
Ocon departure opens door for Camara
Camara’s arrival follows confirmation that Esteban Ocon will leave Haas at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign, creating an opportunity for the team to invest in emerging talent.
The decision also strengthens Haas’ existing relationship with Ferrari, which has played a significant role in developing both Camara and Bearman.
For Camara, the move represents the culmination of four years of progress through Ferrari’s junior system, during which he has established himself as a consistent championship-winning prospect.
However, his immediate attention remains on completing his rookie Formula 2 season, where he faces a close battle with Tsolov for the title.
With his Formula 1 future now secured, the Brazilian will enter the final stages of the championship knowing that a full-time place on the 2027 grid awaits.
Haas, meanwhile, will be hoping that Camara can translate his impressive junior-category form into strong performances at the highest level as the team begins a new chapter in its driver line-up.
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