BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Rafael Camara will make his Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2027 after signing a multi-year contract with the American team, replacing the outgoing Esteban Ocon.
The 21-year-old Ferrari academy driver, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship, was selected following an evaluation process involving four candidates, including reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa.
Camara impressed Haas during a test at Portugal's Portimao circuit in August, driving the team's 2025 F1 car. Team principal Ayao Komatsu said the Brazilian's pace had been the decisive factor in securing the seat.
"I always said we would choose a driver by performance. He showed incredible speed. That was the fully overriding factor above everything else," Komatsu said.
"In Portimao, he was just simply outstanding. We really wanted to go for someone who had that natural speed."
Camara joined Ferrari's driver academy in 2021 and has established himself as one of the most promising talents in junior single-seater racing.
He won the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024 before claiming the Formula 3 title in his rookie season in 2025.
The Brazilian has continued his rapid progress in Formula 2 this year, winning three races and holding a seven-point championship lead over Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov with two scheduled rounds remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
Should Camara secure the F2 crown, he would become the first driver since Oscar Piastri to win consecutive titles in Formula Regional, F3 and F2.
Komatsu praised Camara's ability to adapt quickly to F1 machinery despite his limited experience.
"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," Komatsu said.
Camara expressed his gratitude to Haas and Ferrari, while acknowledging the challenges awaiting him in his debut season.
"It's an important step in my career and I want to thank [team founder] Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me," he said.
"Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge. 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."
Camara will replace Ocon, whose departure was confirmed last month after two seasons with Haas. The Frenchman has struggled to match the performances of teammate Oliver Bearman during his time with the team.
Haas has yet to formally confirm its second driver for 2027, although Bearman is widely expected to remain for a third season, potentially giving the team an all-Ferrari academy lineup.
"It is our intention to continue with Ollie. It is just a matter of timing and finalising certain details," Komatsu said.
Camara is the first rookie confirmed for the 2027 F1 grid. His promotion also ensures Brazil will have at least two representatives in the championship next season for the first time since 2016, with Gabriel Bortoleto set to continue at Audi.
