Brazilian racing driver Rafael Camara will join Haas for the 2027 Formula 1 season, securing his first seat in motorsport’s premier championship after impressing the American team during a competitive selection process.
The 21-year-old, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship, was selected from four candidates evaluated by Haas using previous-generation Formula 1 machinery.
Camara secured the opportunity ahead of reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, along with Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa.
The assessment programme included testing at Portugal’s Portimao circuit in August, where Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa demonstrated their capabilities. Doohan underwent a separate evaluation.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu welcomed the signing, expressing confidence in the young Brazilian’s potential.
“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara,” Komatsu said.
The team principal explained that Camara’s performance had impressed Haas beyond his outright pace.
According to Komatsu, the Brazilian demonstrated an ability to adapt rapidly to unfamiliar machinery and establish the conditions needed to deliver consistent performances, qualities the team considered important for his transition to Formula 1.
Camara’s promotion represents another step forward for the Ferrari Driver Academy, which has supported his development through the junior racing categories.
Haas has not yet announced who will partner Camara in 2027, although British driver Oliver Bearman is widely expected to retain his seat for a third consecutive season.
Both Camara and Bearman are members of Ferrari’s young-driver development programme.
With his Formula 2 campaign still underway, Camara will now prepare for the challenge of competing against established Formula 1 drivers when the 2027 championship begins.