Rafael Camara is reportedly set to become a Haas Formula 1 driver from the 2027 season. The Brazilian Ferrari Driver Academy prospect is expected to earn promotion to the pinnacle of motorsport after winning the Formula 3 championship as a rookie with Trident and emerging as a Formula 2 title contender with Invicta Racing this year. According to Rossomotori.it, Haas selected Camara after competition with at least two other candidates.
Rafael Camara reportedly chosen for Haas 2027 Formula 1 seat
According to information gathered by the Italian website Rossomotori.it, Rafael Camara has been identified as the driver Haas wants for the next chapter of its Formula 1 project. The move would further strengthen the American team’s close technical and sporting relationship with Ferrari, continuing the successful partnership that has developed over recent seasons.
The decision was reportedly far from straightforward. For a long time, Yuki Tsunoda was considered the leading candidate for the seat. The Japanese driver was said to be highly regarded by both Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu and the team’s partners at Toyota Gazoo Racing.
However, Ferrari is believed to have strongly backed Camara’s candidacy in recent months, ultimately shifting the balance in the Brazilian’s favour and securing final approval for the move.
Results have strengthened Camara’s case
Born in 2005, Rafael Camara is widely regarded as one of the brightest talents to emerge from the Ferrari Driver Academy in recent years. After claiming the Formula Regional European Championship title in 2024, the Brazilian enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign in Formula 3, winning the championship with Trident after securing four Feature Race victories.
His transition to Formula 2 has done little to slow his momentum. At the halfway stage of the season, Camara has already claimed one victory, two podium finishes and sits third in the overall championship standings, further underlining his potential as one of the sport’s most promising young drivers.
Esteban Ocon expected to make way
Camara’s arrival would naturally have consequences for Haas’ current driver lineup. Unless there are unexpected developments, Esteban Ocon is expected to leave the team, while Oliver Bearman appears set to continue his Formula 1 journey with the American outfit.
If that scenario materializes, Haas would field an all-Ferrari Driver Academy lineup for the first time, with both Bearman and Camara having progressed through the Scuderia’s junior programme.
A long-term plan that also benefits Ferrari
The reported move also makes strategic sense from Ferrari’s perspective. For now, the seats at Maranello appear firmly secured, with Charles Leclerc tied to the team on a long-term contract and Lewis Hamilton continuing to deliver increasingly convincing performances.
That would allow both Oliver Bearman and Rafael Camara additional time to develop at Haas, a team that increasingly looks like the ideal stepping stone towards a future drive with Ferrari’s works outfit.
A remarkable coincidence between the two drivers
There is also an interesting detail linking the two potential teammates. Rafael Camara was born just three days before Oliver Bearman, making them almost exactly the same age.
The coincidence becomes even more intriguing considering how closely their junior careers have mirrored one another, both in terms of timing and progression through the single-seater ranks. Having them compete in equal machinery in Formula 1 could therefore give Ferrari a valuable opportunity to directly compare the development of two of its most highly rated academy graduates.
Leonardo Fornaroli expected to follow a different path
Meanwhile, Leonardo Fornaroli appears destined for a different career trajectory. Despite securing back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles, as well as recently completing a private test with Haas at Jerez, the Italian is expected to remain McLaren’s reserve driver throughout the 2027 season.
At the same time, speculation throughout the Formula 1 paddock continues to grow over the possibility of a sensational driver swap involving Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen.
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