Haas Selects Rafael Camara to Replace Ocon for 2027 F1 Season

Haas has selected Brazilian prospect Rafael Camara to replace Esteban Ocon for the 2027 Formula 1 season, with the decision finalized during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, according to RacingNews365. The American-owned team is expected to announce the appointment the following week, pairing Ferrari-backed Camara with British driver Oliver Bearman as it prepares for a new driver lineup.

Camara emerged as the preferred candidate after Haas evaluated several prospects through testing in its 2025 car. RacingNews365 reported that the Brazilian impressed during those sessions, while Jack Doohan also delivered a strong performance that made the final selection difficult. PlanetF1 had previously described the contest as a two-driver race, with both candidates remaining under consideration as team principal Ayao Komatsu assessed the options.

Camara, who is competing for the Formula 2 championship, brings support from Ferrari and substantial commercial backing from Brazil, including Transpetro, according to PlanetF1. His appointment would place two Ferrari Driver Academy prospects in Haas cars for 2027, strengthening the team's existing technical relationship with the Italian manufacturer.

Haas already uses Ferrari engines, gearboxes and other components and operates a design office in Maranello. The prospect of fielding two Ferrari-affiliated drivers has prompted debate in the paddock about whether the team could increasingly be perceived as a secondary Ferrari operation.

Komatsu addressed the issue while speaking to reporters in Sepang, arguing that criticism could follow whichever candidate the team selected.

"Whatever we do, there are different optics. If we chose Hirakawa, I'm sure some people will say they just chose Hirakawa only because he's a Toyota driver," said Ayao Komatsu, Haas team principal.

He outlined how choosing drivers associated with different manufacturers could generate similar questions about the team's independence.

"If we take Rafa, you will say: 'He's another Ferrari driver.' If we take Leonardo Fornaroli, it would be said that: 'Haas is now becoming McLaren B team, where's the identity?' So whatever we do, you guys will put out whatever you like, but I'm not worried at all. I'm not worried at all," Komatsu said.

PlanetF1 reported that Komatsu had previously emphasized that performance would be the primary consideration in the selection process. Commercial backing and manufacturer relationships could help distinguish candidates only if their performance assessments were otherwise comparable.

Haas had also evaluated Toyota driver Ryo Hirakawa and McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli. Fornaroli's management was reportedly pursuing a World Endurance Championship opportunity for 2027, while Doohan's strong test performances revived his prospects after his brief Formula 1 stint with Alpine ended in 2025.

The appointment follows Haas' decision to part ways with Ocon after the 2026 campaign. Komatsu said the split was professional and that the team wanted a driver who could deliver speed more consistently and provide useful technical feedback.

"We're both professionals, and then what's good for the team is what's good for Esteban," Komatsu told Sky Sports during the Singapore weekend.

He cited Ocon's cooperation during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the Frenchman was asked to give Bearman an opportunity to use overtake mode. Komatsu said Ocon continued to demonstrate professionalism and commitment despite knowing his future with Haas was ending.

Explaining the team's sporting priorities, Komatsu acknowledged Ocon's natural speed but said Haas needed greater consistency from its next driver.

"Esteban is very, very quick on his day. When the car is perfect, when he's happy with the car, he's very, very quick. But then, what we're looking for going forward is that we just want that speed plus more consistency and also the feedback as well," Komatsu said.

Ocon, meanwhile, is seeking another opportunity in Formula 1 rather than an immediate move to another racing category. The Frenchman said in Singapore that he remained in discussions about his future and believed his performances justified another race seat.

"Formula 1. That's where I deserve to be," Ocon said when asked where he wanted to compete if he could not remain with Haas.

The 30-year-old also ruled out racing in another series in 2027 if no Formula 1 seat became available. He said he would consider returning to a reserve-driver position, a role he previously held with Mercedes in 2019.

Ocon's 2026 campaign has produced seven points, leaving him 16th among 23 drivers, according to The Straits Times. Four of those points came at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 26, after he had learned that Haas would not retain him for the following season.

Haas sits seventh among 11 teams with 30 points, while teammate Bearman has contributed 23. The team is therefore preparing to replace Ocon while maintaining its existing partnership with Bearman, whose continued place alongside Camara is expected as the 2027 lineup takes shape.

The uncertainty surrounding Ocon reflects the wider pressure of Formula 1's driver market, where contract decisions can leave competitors without race seats despite their experience. Ocon previously spent the 2019 season away from a full-time race position before returning to the grid, and he has described that period as the most difficult of his decade-long career.

With Camara's selection finalized, Haas is expected to make its formal announcement ahead of the United States Grand Prix, while Ocon continues exploring opportunities to remain in Formula 1 for 2027.