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Brazilian Rafael Camara will join the US-based Haas team for his debut Formula 1 season in 2027.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 21-year-old, who is leading the Formula 2 championship, has been chosen after a selection process including a total of four drivers.<\/p>\n
Camara was picked over the reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa after they were assessed in tests in previous years’ F1 cars.<\/p>\n
Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa were all assessed at a test at Portugal’s Portimao track in August, Doohan separately.<\/p>\n
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said that Camara had been the quickest driver at the tests.<\/p>\n
“I always said we would choose driver by performance. He showed incredible speed. That was the fully overriding factor above everything else,” Komatsu said.<\/p>\n
“In Portimao, he was just simply outstanding. We really wanted to go for someone who had that natural speed.<\/p>\n
“He showed that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of time to learn the car. He showed us more than just raw speed.”<\/p>\n
Komatsu added that all the drivers tested came with financial backing, adding: “But it was clear he was the quickest guy, so we took him purely based on that.”<\/p>\n
Haas have not said who will race their other car next season, but it is considered only a matter of time before Briton Oliver Bearman is confirmed in the seat for a third season.<\/p>\n
Komatsu said: “It is our intention to continue with Ollie. It is just a matter of timing and finalising certain details.”<\/p>\n
Bearman and Camara are both members of the Ferrari driver academy.<\/p>\n
Frenchman Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the year after two seasons alongside Bearman, Haas confirmed at the end of last month.<\/p>\n
Camara said: “It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank (owner) Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me.<\/p>\n
“Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge.<\/p>\n
“There will be a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n