Who Is Rafael Câmara? Ferrari Academy Star Replaces Esteban Ocon at Haas for 2027 F1 Season

Rafael Câmara, a 21-year-old Brazilian racing driver, will join Haas for the 2027 Formula 1 season on a multi-year deal, replacing Esteban Ocon, whose departure was confirmed in Sept. 2026.

Announced on Thursday, Oct. 15, Câmara’s promotion follows his 2025 Formula 3 championship victory and his rise to the top of the 2026 Formula 2 standings with two races remaining. He is expected to partner British driver Oliver Bearman, although Haas has yet to confirm Bearman’s contract extension.

The signing gives Câmara his first full-time opportunity in Formula 1 and strengthens the connection between Haas and Ferrari’s young-driver program. His performance alongside Bearman could also help Ferrari assess which of its academy drivers might be ready for a future seat with the Italian team.

Who Is Rafael Câmara?

Câmara is a Brazilian racing driver who has progressed through the junior motorsport categories and established himself as one of the sport’s promising young talents. He joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2021, beginning a development pathway that has helped prepare him for the move to Formula 1.

His rise has been supported by consistent results. After winning the Formula 3 championship in 2025, he moved into Formula 2 and quickly became a title contender. His ability to perform under pressure, including in challenging qualifying sessions, has helped attract attention from Haas.

Racing also runs in Câmara’s family. His grandmother, Niége Rossiter, competed successfully in the Recife region of Brazil and won races at the state level.

According to ESPN, Câmara will become Brazil’s 34th Formula 1 driver. He will join compatriot Gabriel Bortoleto, who races for Audi. Brazil has a long history in the sport, and Câmara’s arrival adds another driver to that legacy.

Haas Impressed by Câmara’s Potential

Before signing him, Haas evaluated Câmara during a test of its 2025 car at Portugal’s Portimão circuit in Aug. 2026. The team was impressed by how quickly he adapted to the car and worked with its engineers.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu praised the Brazilian’s achievements and potential. Speaking about the signing, Komatsu said, “I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara.”

Komatsu also highlighted Câmara’s performances in Formula 2, including qualifying sessions in Monaco and Montreal, as examples of his ability to handle difficult situations.

Team owner Gene Haas said the team’s experience with Bearman had shown that young drivers could make an immediate impact. Referring to the Ferrari Driver Academy, Haas said, “these younger drivers are well prepared, and they can make an immediate impact on a team.”

Câmara said he was grateful for the opportunity and the support he had received from Haas, Ferrari and his family. “Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge,” he said.

Oliver Bearman’s 2027 Contract Remains Unconfirmed

Although Câmara’s signing is official, Haas has not yet confirmed Bearman as his teammate for 2027. The British driver joined the team full-time in 2025 after making two stand-in appearances in 2024.

Komatsu told Sky Sports F1 that Haas was happy with Bearman’s speed, personality and contribution to the team. He said he expected the partnership to continue but that the agreement was not ready to be announced.

“I’d like to think that’s going to be finalised very soon,” Komatsu said.

If Bearman stays, Haas will have two young drivers connected to Ferrari’s development program. Their performances in the same car could give the team a useful comparison of their strengths and progress.

What Câmara’s Signing Means for Ferrari

Câmara’s move to Haas also creates a potential opportunity for Ferrari to evaluate his progress in Formula 1. The Italian team already has Charles Leclerc on a long-term contract, while Lewis Hamilton’s current deal runs through at least the end of 2027, according to ESPN.

That means a Ferrari seat is not guaranteed to open soon. Câmara must first show that his success in the junior categories can translate to Formula 1, where adapting to the car, managing race strategy and delivering consistent results are essential.

His first season with Haas will therefore be more than a debut. It will be an opportunity to establish himself in Formula 1 and demonstrate whether he could become a serious option for Ferrari in the future.