Haas reportedly choose Rafael Camara to replace Esteban Ocon in 2027
Haas have selected Ferrari junior Rafael Camara to replace Esteban Ocon for the 2027 Formula 1 season, partnering Oliver Bearman in an entirely Scuderia-backed line-up, RN365 reports.
The American outfit finalised terms with Ferrari during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. An official announcement is expected next week, though neither team has publicly confirmed the agreement.
Camara secured the drive over former Alpine racer Jack Doohan after both drivers underwent evaluation tests in older Haas machinery. The team also considered Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa and McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli before narrowing its shortlist.
While Doohan’s testing pace complicated the selection, Camara ultimately clinched the seat through Ferrari’s backing and commercial sponsorship from Brazil.
The move leaves Haas without an established grand prix winner for 2027, pairing two Ferrari Driver Academy graduates in the cockpit.
Junior ascent and Maranello influence
The 21-year-old Brazilian arrives with an exceptional trajectory through the junior ranks. After claiming the 2024 Formula Regional European Championship with seven victories, Camara won the 2025 FIA Formula 3 title in his rookie campaign with Trident, taking four Feature Race wins and five pole positions.
He transitioned to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing in 2026, emerging as a title contender with Feature Race victories in Barcelona and Spa-Francorchamps.
Promoting Camara strengthens Haas’s technical and operational ties with Maranello.
Paddock rivals have questioned whether fielding two Ferrari proteges compromises the team’s autonomy. Team principal Ayao Komatsu dismissed those concerns during the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend, maintaining that any top candidate carries manufacturer affiliations and rejecting suggestions that Haas is becoming a de facto B-team.
The appointment ends Ocon’s two-year tenure with the team. The 30-year-old Frenchman, who joined Haas in 2025 following spells with Renault and Alpine, has struggled to match Bearman’s performances. Ocon has not secured a 2027 race seat and has indicated he would consider a reserve driver post.
