Brazilian racing driver Rafael Câmara is set to make his Formula 1 debut in the 2027 season after signing a multi-year contract with Haas. The 21-year-old has earned promotion to motorsport’s premier championship following an impressive rise through the junior categories and a strong start to his Formula 2 career.
Câmara will replace Esteban Ocon, who is scheduled to leave Haas at the end of the 2026 season. The move represents a major milestone for the Brazilian, who has developed through the Ferrari Driver Academy and established himself as one of the most promising young talents in single-seater racing.
Strong Performances Earn Câmara His F1 Opportunity
Câmara’s promotion follows a series of impressive achievements in junior motorsport. He won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024 before claiming the Formula 3 title in 2025.
He then stepped up to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing for the 2026 season. His performances have placed him at the top of the championship standings, strengthening his case for a move to Formula 1.
With two rounds remaining in the Formula 2 campaign, Câmara has collected feature-race victories in Spain, Belgium and Azerbaijan. He has also secured multiple podium finishes and pole positions, demonstrating his speed across different circuits.
His progress has attracted attention from teams looking for young drivers capable of adapting quickly to the demands of Formula 1. Haas ultimately selected him after assessing several candidates for the available seat.
Haas Impressed by His Testing Performance
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu highlighted Câmara’s pace and ability to adapt during a test at Portugal’s Algarve circuit in August. The Brazilian drove the team’s 2025 car as part of its Testing of Previous Cars programme.
The session allowed the team to evaluate his performance in Formula 1 machinery and assess how quickly he could understand the car. Komatsu said Câmara demonstrated more than outright speed, also showing the ability to work effectively in an unfamiliar environment.
The team viewed these qualities as important indicators of his potential to handle the transition from Formula 2 to Formula 1.
Team owner Gene Haas also expressed confidence in the signing, pointing to Câmara’s achievements in the junior categories and his recent progress in Formula 2. The team hopes to support his development as he prepares for the increased technical and competitive demands of the championship.
Ferrari Driver Academy Connection
Câmara has been associated with the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, receiving support as he progressed through the junior racing ladder.
His development follows a pathway similar to that of British driver Oliver Bearman, who also came through Ferrari’s young-driver programme before joining Haas in Formula 1.
Bearman is expected to remain an important part of the team’s plans, although his 2027 position had not been formally confirmed at the time of Câmara’s announcement.
Câmara thanked Haas, Ferrari’s development programme and his family for helping him reach Formula 1. He said his immediate priority would be preparing for the new challenge, learning the car and working closely with the team.
Brazil Set for Another F1 Representative
Câmara’s arrival will give Brazil another driver on the Formula 1 grid alongside Gabriel Bortoleto. The country has a long history in the championship, with former world champions and race winners helping establish its reputation in international motorsport.
For Câmara, however, the focus will be on making a successful transition to the highest level of racing. Formula 1 presents a different challenge from the junior categories, with greater technical complexity, intense competition and the need to deliver consistent performances across an entire season.
His results in Formula 2 have created high expectations, but his debut campaign will also involve learning from experienced competitors and adapting to the demands of a new team.
Haas will hope the Brazilian’s speed, preparation and development experience translate into strong performances in 2027. For Câmara, securing the seat marks the beginning of a new chapter and the realization of a long-held ambition to compete in Formula 1.
