Rafael Camara has reportedly delivered the strongest performance of three drivers evaluated by Haas at Portimao as the team considers its options for a potential change alongside Oliver Bearman in 2027. Camara shared the VF-25 with Leonardo Fornaroli and Ryo Hirakawa during a private TPC test, with the trio assessed against a benchmark previously established by Bearman.
The session could prove significant for Esteban Ocon’s Formula 1 future. Haas is evaluating possible alternatives for next season, and although no official lap times were released because the test took place behind closed doors, Rafael Lopes of ge.globo reported that Camara appeared to be the fastest of the three candidates. With further running still expected, that indication currently strengthens the Brazilian’s case for a Formula 1 opportunity.
Rafael Camara reportedly leads the Haas Portimao test
Haas used the Portimao running to compare Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa in the VF-25 under its Testing of Previous Cars programme. The objective was to assess how closely each could approach the reference established by Oliver Bearman while giving the team another opportunity to evaluate their performance in Formula 1 machinery.
There are no official times with which to make a definitive comparison, meaning the reported order remains unofficial. Nevertheless, the indication that Ferrari junior Rafael Camara impressed during the Haas test is important as the American team moves towards a decision on its longer-term driver line-up.
Esteban Ocon’s 2027 Haas seat comes under pressure
Ocon’s results have placed additional focus on the second Haas seat. The Frenchman, who is already a Grand Prix winner, has struggled to adapt to the current generation of Formula 1 cars and has been significantly outscored by team-mate Bearman. The points comparison currently stands at 18 for Bearman and three for Ocon.
That gap has helped create an opportunity for Haas to examine alternative options for 2027. The team has not confirmed that Ocon will be replaced, but the Portimao test gave three potential successors the chance to strengthen their case.
Leonardo Fornaroli brings Formula 2 title and McLaren experience
Leonardo Fornaroli entered the evaluation as one of the leading candidates. The Italian is the reigning Formula 2 champion and serves as a McLaren reserve driver, giving him experience within an established Formula 1 operation. His development has already included official Grand Prix weekend running, having driven the MCL40 during FP1 in Barcelona before making another practice appearance in Hungary.
Fornaroli has also sampled Haas machinery previously at Jerez and has the approval of McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. His rise follows a successful junior career highlighted by his Formula 2 championship success, making him a serious option as Haas assesses the next stage of its driver line-up.
Ferrari backing strengthens Rafael Camara’s F1 prospects
Camara approaches the situation from a different position. The Brazilian is racing for Invicta in Formula 2 and currently sits third in the championship, with his title challenge still alive. As a Ferrari Driver Academy member, he has also received considerable support from Maranello while preparing for a possible Formula 1 opportunity.
His preparation has included several Ferrari test outings at Hungary, Barcelona and Mugello. Ferrari’s commitment to his development has already become an important part of his push towards the top level, with Frédéric Vasseur having detailed the support behind Camara’s Haas opportunity. Separate rumours have also linked the Brazilian with Cadillac.
Ryo Hirakawa offers Haas the experienced option
The third contender, Ryo Hirakawa, offers considerably more experience. The 32-year-old Japanese driver has served in Haas’s third-driver structure and has accumulated mileage through FP1 appearances, private tests and simulator work.
Despite that experience, Hirakawa appears to have made less of an impression on the team’s decision-makers than his younger rivals. That leaves the Portimao comparison particularly important as Haas considers whether experience or long-term potential should shape its 2027 choice.
For now, Camara has emerged with the most encouraging reported result from the latest test. The absence of official timing data means no definitive hierarchy can yet be established, and further sessions remain part of the process. However, if the reported Portimao order is confirmed by subsequent evaluations, the Ferrari-backed Brazilian may have taken an important step towards a Formula 1 seat.
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