Rafael Câmara continues gaining strength in the race for a spot on the Formula 1 grid in 2027. Fred Vasseur revealed that Ferrari has been extensively investing in the preparation of the Brazilian, who is among the candidates for Haas for the next season.
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Câmara, third place in Formula 2 and a member of Ferrari’s Young Drivers Academy since 2022, competes for space with Leonardo Fornaroli and Ryo Hirakawa. Fornaroli is McLaren’s reserve and receives strong support from the Woking team, while Hirakawa counts on support from Toyota, Haas’s technical partner.
Asked during the Dutch GP weekend about the level of support offered to Câmara, Vasseur highlighted that Ferrari’s work goes beyond financial support. “We are massively supporting Rafael. It’s not just about financial support. We provided financial support, but we also invested a lot in training with old cars this year with him,” he told columnist Julianne Cerasoli from UOL Esporte.
The Ferrari boss also linked this investment to the attempt to prepare Câmara for the next steps. “To prepare him as best as possible for next week’s test and for the next season, Haas, as a partner, will try to find the best way to bring him to F1 next year,” he added.
Ayao Komatsu confirmed that Câmara, Fornaroli, and Hirakawa will participate in a Haas test in Portimão this Wednesday and Thursday. “If we weren’t interested in hiring these drivers, we wouldn’t be doing this test,” explained the team principal.
The three names are considered candidates for the spot currently held by Esteban Ocon, 18th in the championship with three points. Oliver Bearman, another Haas driver, is 13th with 18 points.
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