Camara gives honest verdict on watching Antonelli succeed in F1

The Brazilian is set to make his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2027, where he will race alongside Oliver Bearman. A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Camara has earned his opportunity after working his way through the junior single-seater categories.

His promotion will also see him reunite on the grid with Antonelli, whom he knows well from their time competing against each other earlier in their careers.

While Antonelli secured a Mercedes seat and began establishing himself in Formula 1, Camara continued his development in the junior categories. Their different career trajectories became a talking point during a media session attended by GPblog following the announcement of the Brazilian's move to Haas.

Camara was asked whether seeing Antonelli compete in Formula 1, particularly in a competitive Mercedes, ever left him feeling frustrated about having to wait longer for his own opportunity.

The Brazilian made it clear that he never regarded Antonelli's progress in that way, praising both his achievements and his character: "I think everyone has their own time. I'm just very happy for what he did. I think he really deserves what happened. Someone that works hard and also is a very nice guy."

Camara also expressed his desire to renew their rivalry in Formula 1, having previously shared the track with the Italian during their junior careers: "I just don't see any bad side. Just see the positive and hopefully one day we can be fighting together."

The subject of Antonelli's success also came up earlier in the press conference, when Camara was asked whether the Mercedes driver's performances gave him greater confidence in his own prospects ahead of his Formula 1 debut.

Having competed against Antonelli before, Camara acknowledged that seeing the Italian perform at such a high level encouraged him to continue improving: "It's very nice to see Kimi this year. It's been really amazing what he's doing. For sure, it gives some motivation to keep working hard and improving myself."

However, Camara is not setting his expectations for 2027 based on what Antonelli has achieved at Mercedes. Instead, the Brazilian wants to concentrate on adapting to Formula 1 and making the most of his first campaign with Haas: "Just trying to make the most of next year and then just learning to make sure that it's a good year."