Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has dismissed suggestions that the American outfit is becoming a Ferrari ‘B-team’ after confirming Rafael Camara will replace Esteban Ocon for the 2027 Formula 1 season. The Brazilian is expected to join Oliver Bearman, creating a line-up in which both drivers have graduated from Ferrari’s junior programme. However, Komatsu insists Haas makes its own driver decisions without pressure from the Scuderia.
Haas announced last week that highly rated Brazilian prospect Rafael Camara will replace Esteban Ocon next season. The 21-year-old is expected to partner Oliver Bearman, who has already established himself within the team after progressing through the Ferrari Driver Academy.
With both drivers having benefited from Ferrari’s development programme, questions have emerged over how much influence the Italian manufacturer has over Haas’ driver line-up.
Komatsu, however, has firmly rejected the suggestion that Haas is effectively operating as Ferrari’s junior team.
Komatsu dismisses Ferrari ‘B-team’ speculation
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Japanese team principal acknowledged the connection between the two drivers and Ferrari but stressed that their backgrounds do not determine Haas’ independence.
“So, yes, they are drivers from the Ferrari Academy and their careers have been supported by Ferrari, but they are drivers for the Haas team, and we have no obligation or pressure whatsoever to sign anyone from Ferrari,” Komatsu explained.
“This whole Ferrari B-team story is therefore not an issue at all.”
Haas has maintained a close technical relationship with Ferrari for years, with the Italian manufacturer supplying the American outfit with power units and other components under the applicable regulations.
That long-standing partnership has inevitably fuelled speculation about the extent of Ferrari’s influence beyond the technical side of the operation. However, Komatsu insists the team retains full control over its driver choices.
Haas insists it chose Bearman and Camara independently
Komatsu also explained that the relationship with Ferrari helped Haas arrange an opportunity to assess Camara behind the wheel, but said this should not be confused with Ferrari dictating the team’s decisions.
“Because we had this relationship, we were able to test Rafa in Portimão,” he said.
The Haas boss was equally emphatic about who ultimately decides which drivers race for the team, identifying himself and team owner Gene Haas as the people responsible.
“We choose the drivers completely ourselves – myself and team owner Gene Haas.”
Komatsu went on to deny that Ferrari had pressured Haas to provide a seat for either of its academy drivers.
He explained that nobody from the Scuderia had approached him with a request to sign Bearman simply because he was a Ferrari Driver Academy graduate who needed a race seat, or to promote Camara because of his prospects in Formula 2.
The distinction is important for Haas, which is seeking to establish its own identity and competitive direction while continuing its long-standing relationship with Ferrari.
Although the two teams share a connection through their technical partnership and driver development, Komatsu’s comments make clear that Haas wants its future line-up to be viewed as a decision based on its own sporting priorities.
Camara strengthens his case with impressive junior record
Camara’s performances in the junior categories have provided a compelling argument for his progression towards Formula 1.
The Brazilian won the Formula Regional championship in 2024 before claiming the Formula 3 title in 2025. He has continued that momentum in Formula 2, where he currently leads the drivers’ championship.
His position at the top of the standings puts him ahead of Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, who has also been linked with a potential future opportunity at Racing Bulls.
For Haas, Camara’s development offers the prospect of pairing an emerging Brazilian talent with Bearman, another product of Ferrari’s driver development system.
Whether the combination delivers the results the team hopes for remains to be seen. For now, Komatsu’s message is clear: Ferrari’s role in developing both drivers does not mean the Scuderia is choosing Haas’ line-up.
The American team intends to make those calls itself.
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