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Haas have signed Rafael Câmara to partner Oliver Bearman for the 2027 F1 season.
The Brazilian has signed a multi-year contract and replaces Esteban Ocon, who is being released by the team.
Câmara, 21, currently leads the FIA Formula 2 Championship driving for Invicta Racing. With two rounds remaining in the season he tops the Driver Standings on 207 points having won in Spain, Belgium and Azerbaijan, as well as achieving a six podium finishes and five pole positions.
It is Câmara’s first season in Formula 2 this year after wining the Formula 3 Championship in 2025. He is also a part of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, as with Bearman, who is also part of the Italian team’s stable of drivers.
Câmara said: “I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver. 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.
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"I’m also very grateful to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for their support and for everything they have contributed to my development over the years, as well as to my family for always being there throughout this journey. 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’s first experience with Haas came through his chance with the Testing of Previous Car (TPC) test in August, when he drove the team’s VF-25 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão, Portugal. Team boss Komatsu says he has been impressed by the Brazilian's abilities.
“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Câmara,” said Komatsu. "I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulas, it’s been very impressive, and in his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he’s shown in some very difficult moments, like qualifying in Monaco and Montreal, that all goes to show the potential Rafa has.
"He showed when we had him drive in our TPC program in Portugal that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of time to learn the car, he showed us more than just raw speed. 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.
"We’re all excited about this opportunity and really committed as TGR Haas F1 Team to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish. We want to create an environment where he’s comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his capabilities.”
"We’re all excited about this opportunity and really committed as TGR Haas F1 Team to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish. We want to create an environment where he’s comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his capabilities.”
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Gene Haas, Team Owner of Haas added: “I’m excited to see what Rafael Câmara can achieve in Formula 1 having seen his accomplishments coming up through the ranks in Formula 3 and now Formula 2 this year.
"It’s a different challenge at this level but what we’ve experienced through Ollie Bearman following a similar trajectory and association with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, these younger drivers are well prepared, and they can make an immediate impact on a team. Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season.”
"It’s a different challenge at this level but what we’ve experienced through Ollie Bearman following a similar trajectory and association with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, these younger drivers are well prepared, and they can make an immediate impact on a team. Rafa impressed the team with his TPC performance, so we look forward to building on that and growing our relationship full-time next season.”
Ocon was shown the door at Haas after Komatsu hinted that the Frenchman lacked consistency each weekend. Ocon now faces a spell out of F1.
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