Ludo van Denderen is a motorsport journalist at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 and international racing series.
Rafael Camara is expected to be the new driver for Haas. GPblog understands from multiple sources in the F1 paddock that there is now a 'ninety percent' chance the Brazilian will replace Esteban Ocon next season. However, the deal with the Ferrari junior is not yet completely finalised.
It was an open secret that Haas would part ways with Ocon after next season. The American team had three serious candidates in mind to replace the veteran: McLaren reserve Leonardo Fornaroli, Haas reserve Ryo Hirakawa, and F2 driver Rafael Camara. Jack Doohan also auditioned for Haas but was never truly in consideration.
Three possible successors to Ocon
Reigning Formula 2 champion Fornaroli has been dropped after a test in Portimao, although McLaren has not yet been officially informed. Hirakawa, a former World Endurance Championship (WEC) world champion, was Toyota’s dream candidate, Haas’s technical partner.
But the American team is not choosing the 32-year-old; instead, it is going for 21-year-old talent Rafael Camara. With this, Haas hopes not only to have selected the fastest driver, but also to score commercially. In his home country of Brazil, the Ferrari junior is already immensely popular.
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In 2027, Haas will thus have two drivers under contract with Ferrari. Although not officially announced, Oliver Bearman will remain with the Americans for a third season. That is somewhat notable, as Team Bearman is currently unhappy with the performance of the Haas car. On the other hand, there is no other team for Bearman to move to. Moreover, Ferrari will in any case decide his path for 2027.
It is unclear when Haas will finalize the deal with Camara and make the announcement. A fitting and logical moment would be the weekend of the Brazilian Grand Prix in early November. Announcing the partnership in São Paulo will surely generate considerable media attention.
Camara’s successes in Formula 2 and Formula 3
Rafael Camara made a big impression in 2025 during his debut season in Formula 3. The Brazilian drove for Trident and immediately won the feature races in Australia and Bahrain. Later, victories followed in Barcelona and Hungary. Camara was especially strong in qualifying: with five pole positions he set a record in Formula 3. At the Hungaroring, the Ferrari junior secured the title with one race weekend to spare.
In 2026, Camara moved to Invicta Racing in Formula 2, and there too he has been fighting for the title as a rookie. He currently sits second in the championship with 170 points, just seven points behind leader Nikola Tsolov. So far this season, Camara has won two races and has also stood on the podium multiple times.
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