Full Breakdown
Haas Secures Brazilian Ferrari Academy Star Rafael Câmara to Replace Esteban Ocon for 2027
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Driver Line-up Change
Haas F1 announced on 15 October 2026 that 21-year-old Brazilian Rafael Câmara will join the team for 2027, taking the seat vacated by Esteban Ocon. Câmara, the current FIA Formula 2 Championship leader, will partner fellow Ferrari Academy graduate Oliver Bearman. The pairing becomes the grid’s youngest by combined age.
Background & Context
Ocon’s departure was confirmed on 30 September after two seasons with Haas that yielded a single Grand Prix win. Haas, partnered with Ferrari for power units since 2016, has turned to the Scuderia’s driver development pipeline as it seeks to improve on its seventh-place finish in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship.
Key Figures & Groups
- Rafael Câmara – 21, Brazilian, Ferrari Driver Academy member, 2026 F2 leader.
- Ayao Komatsu – Team principal, TGR Haas F1 Team.
- Gene Haas – Owner, Haas F1.
- Oliver Bearman – 21, British, Ferrari Academy driver at Haas.
- Esteban Ocon – 30, French, former Haas driver, now a free agent.
Data & Statistics
- Câmara leads the FIA Formula 2 Championship by seven points, holding 207 points with two rounds left.
- He has wins in Spain, Belgium and Azerbaijan, six podiums and five pole positions this season.
- Haas sits seventh of eleven in the 2026 Constructors’ standings ahead of the United States Grand Prix.
Official Statements & Responses
Team principal Ayao Komatsu said the signing reflects Haas’s confidence in Câmara’s “impressive” junior-formula record and his speed in qualifying sessions such as Monaco and Montreal. Gene Haas added that the team’s experience with Bearman suggests younger Ferrari-linked drivers are “well prepared” to make an immediate impact. Câmara expressed gratitude to the team and the Ferrari Driver Academy, emphasizing his focus on learning and integrating with Haas. Ocon indicated a preference for a reserve-driver role within Formula 1.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m very happy to be joining TGR Haas F1 Team as a Formula 1 driver,” — Rafael Camara
Timeline
- 30 September – Ocon’s departure confirmed.
- 15 October 2026 – Haas announces Câmara’s signing; portrait taken in London.
- 23–25 October – Haas returns to competition at the United States Grand Prix, Circuit of The Americas.
What’s Next
Câmara will begin testing with the 2027 car during the remaining 2026 season, including Friday practice sessions and his home race in Brazil in early November. Haas expects to finalize Bearman’s contract shortly, confirming the full 2027 driver line-up before the season-opening race. The United States Grand Prix will be the first event to evaluate the new partnership on track.
