Rafael Câmara is expected to arrive in Formula 1 in 2027 as a reserve driver for Haas. The information was gathered in Spa-Francorchamps by Juliane Cerasoli, a UOL journalist who follows the season on-site, and published in her Pole Position column.
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The Brazilian was even considered a candidate for a full-time spot, but the most likely scenario at the moment is his preparation to replace Oliver Bearman in the future. Câmara has been part of the Ferrari academy since the end of 2021, and the partnership between the Italian team and Haas allows for the nomination of drivers for one of the American team’s spots.
Formula 3 champion in his debut season, Câmara is in third place in his first year in Formula 2, 36 points behind leader Nikola Tsolov. The 21-year-old driver also won in Belgium after starting from pole position, had a good evaluation in his first test with an F1 car in June, and is expected to get another opportunity soon. “Formula 3 and Formula 2 are years that somewhat determine what will happen in your career. What helps me a lot is focusing on the things I can control and being sure that I gave 100%,” he told UOL.
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The full-time spot, however, has other candidates. Leo Fornaroli, F3 and F2 champion and linked to McLaren, has already tested with Haas and left a good impression, while Ryo Hirakawa appears as a possibility related to the partnership with Toyota. Asked about having drivers linked to other teams, Ayao Komatsu indicated that this would not be an obstacle. “All we want are drivers who can bring us the maximum results. Our only concern is this: who is the best driver for the team?” he declared.
Komatsu also ruled out choosing a driver solely based on their nationality or partner support. “We choose the driver based on performance, 100%. We are not going to put someone slower,” said the Haas boss. These statements favor Fornaroli’s candidacy for the full-time spot, while Câmara appears as the main option for the reserve position. According to Juliane Cerasoli’s findings, McLaren was informed that Haas’s final decision should be made by September.
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