Haas have signed Rafael Câmara on a multi-year contract, with the 21-year-old Brazilian set to make his Formula 1 debut with the team in 2027, the American team announced on Thursday, October 15.
Câmara’s arrival comes after Esteban Ocon confirmed he will leave Haas at the end of the 2026 season, making way for a new driver alongside Ollie Bearman, whose contract extension has yet to be officially announced.
The Brazilian has emerged as one of the leading prospects in the junior categories, winning the Formula 3 championship in 2025 before moving up to Formula 2 this season.
With two rounds remaining, Câmara leads the F2 standings on 207 points, having taken three Feature Race victories in Spain, Belgium and Azerbaijan, along with six podium finishes and five pole positions.
His progress has also been closely followed by Ferrari. Câmara has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021 and, like Bearman, has progressed through the junior single-seater ranks under its guidance.
Haas had the opportunity to assess him directly in August, when Câmara drove the team’s VF-25 at Portimão in Portugal as part of its Testing of Previous Car program.
Team Principal Ayao Komatsu said the test reinforced the impression made by Câmara’s performances in the junior categories, particularly his ability to adapt quickly.
“He showed us more than just raw speed,” Komatsu said. “Rafa managed to create an environment to get the best out of himself, it was very impressive and certainly the laps he completed were special.”
Komatsu also highlighted Câmara’s performances in difficult qualifying conditions in Monaco and Montreal as evidence of his potential, saying Haas were committed to giving the young driver an environment in which he can develop and perform at his best.
For Câmara, the move marks the biggest step yet in a career that has seen him win titles in successive stages of the junior ladder.
“It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me,” Câmara said. “Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge. There will be a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”
Câmara is likely to team up with Ollie Bearman, who joined Haas in 2025 and has performed well so far. However, the team has yet to announce a contract extension for the British driver.
