Haas Confirms Rafael Câmara for 2027 to Replace Esteban Ocon
Haas F1 Team has officially announced the signing of Ferrari Driver Academy talent Rafael Câmara on a multi-year agreement beginning with the 2027 Formula 1 season.
The 21-year-old Brazilian will replace Esteban Ocon, whose departure from the American outfit at the conclusion of the 2026 campaign was confirmed earlier this year. Câmara is set to partner Oliver Bearman, establishing an all-Ferrari Driver Academy lineup for the Kannapolis-based squad heading into the next regulatory cycle.
Decisive Testing Pace Clinched the Seat
Haas confirmed the decision following extensive evaluations behind closed doors, with Team Principal Ayao Komatsu pointing directly to Câmara’s raw speed and technical maturity during testing as the deciding factors.
Komatsu explained that Câmara’s qualifying pace, consistency across single-lap runs, and rapid adaptation during private testing outings with contemporary machinery separated him from rival contenders for the seat. The team highlighted:
- Qualifying Execution: Exceptional single-lap metrics during comparative simulator sessions and track tests.
- Technical Feedback: High-level technical integration and communication with the engineering group, developed through his tenure in the Ferrari Driver Academy.
- Long-Term Stability: A multi-year contract that aligns with Haas’s technical roadmap and its strategic technical alliance with Ferrari.
Câmara becomes the latest graduate from the Maranello junior pipeline to secure a race seat with Haas, following in the footsteps of Bearman, who joined the team full-time for 2025.
Reshaping the 2027 Grid
The move resolves one of the central questions of the 2027 driver market. With Ocon moving on after two seasons with Haas, the team opted against veteran alternatives in favor of long-term upside alongside Bearman.
The signing also solidifies Brazil’s growing resurgence on the Formula 1 grid. Câmara will join compatriot Gabriel Bortoleto as a full-time representative for the nation, marking a significant milestone for Brazilian motorsport.
For Haas, locking in both seats well ahead of 2027 provides operational clarity. The team currently sits seventh in the 2026 Constructors' Championship with 30 points after 17 rounds, engaged in a tight midfield battle against Alpine and Audi. Establishing driver stability allows the engineering department to focus fully on mechanical and aerodynamic development for next season.
What Lies Ahead
Ocon will see out the remainder of the 2026 campaign alongside Bearman as Haas aims to defend its seventh place in the constructors' standings across the final seven races of the year.
Haas plans to integrate Câmara into its trackside operations over the coming months. The Brazilian is slated to take part in mandatory Free Practice 1 rookie outings and the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, building baseline mileage ahead of his official rookie campaign in 2027.
To see how these developments and current performance trends affect the upcoming grand prix weekend, check out our latest race predictions.
