Brazilian rising star Rafael Câmara will make his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2027, replacing Esteban Ocon and partnering Oliver Bearman.
The 21-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy prospect, who has already won the Formula 3 title and currently leads the Formula 2 championship, says he cannot wait to begin his new chapter in motorsport’s premier category.
Câmara celebrates lifelong ambition after Haas signing
“This feels good,” Câmara told Formula1.com, explaining his excitement at securing a place on the Formula 1 grid.
“I’m very happy. You work towards this moment your whole life. It’s simply incredible to have achieved it.”
The Brazilian also outlined his eagerness to get started with his new team, adding: “I’m really looking forward to working with the team, getting to know everyone at the factory, and getting started as soon as possible.”
Câmara will join Haas for the 2027 season, forming a line-up with British youngster Bearman. His arrival means Ocon will leave the American outfit at the end of the current campaign.
The promotion represents a significant milestone for Câmara, whose progress through the junior categories has established him as one of the most promising young drivers in the Ferrari development programme.
Familiar rivals await Câmara on the Formula 1 grid
Although 2027 will mark Câmara’s first season in Formula 1, the Brazilian will not be short of familiar faces in the paddock.
He has known fellow Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, who races for Audi, since childhood. Câmara has also competed against several of the current generation of Formula 1 drivers during their karting careers, including Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, Red Bull Racing’s Isack Hadjar and Racing Bulls prospect Arvid Lindblad.
Câmara revealed that his friendship with Bortoleto had provided additional motivation during his own journey towards the top level.
“We were very close friends,” he said of the Audi driver.
“Seeing him move up [to Formula 1]… that was an extra motivation for me to keep working and fighting so that hopefully two of us will be there – and that will be the case next year.”
Having another Brazilian on the grid will give Câmara a familiar presence as he adapts to the demands of Formula 1, although his immediate challenge will be establishing himself within Haas and learning to compete consistently at the highest level.
Formula 2 title remains Câmara’s immediate priority
Despite having secured his future in Formula 1, Câmara is not yet ready to look beyond the remaining rounds of the Formula 2 season.
The youngster currently leads the championship by seven points over Red Bull prospect Nikola Tsolov, with two race weekends remaining. Tsolov has also been linked with a potential promotion to Racing Bulls, underlining the importance of the closing stages of the campaign for several emerging talents.
Câmara is determined to finish his Formula 2 campaign strongly before turning his attention fully towards Haas.
“The goal is to finish on a high note,” he told Formula1.com.
Securing the championship would provide an additional achievement ahead of his graduation to Formula 1, following his success in Formula 3.
Câmara’s arrival offers the opportunity to bring another highly rated young driver into the Haas team alongside Bearman. For the Brazilian, however, the immediate task is clear: complete his Formula 2 campaign on a high before beginning preparations for the biggest opportunity of his racing career.
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