Reporting note: this article draws on Sky Sports; PGLive provides the summary and editorial framing.
Haas Driver Lineup Secures Rafael Camara for 2027
The Haas driver lineup has expanded for the future after the American outfit announced the signing of Ferrari Driver Academy talent Rafael Camara on a multi-year deal starting in 2027. The 21-year-old Brazilian driver will step into Formula 1 alongside current Haas racer Oliver Bearman, whose contract extension for a third campaign is anticipated shortly.
The agreement strengthens the technical and operational bridge between Haas and Ferrari, who already supplies power units, gearboxes, and transferrable components to the Kannapolis-based squad. With both drivers having roots in Maranello, external paddock talk suggested the team risked becoming an unofficial junior operation. However, team principal Ayao Komatsu firmly pushed back against that perception.
Ayao Komatsu Rejects B-Team Allegations
Komatsu clarified that the technical alliance with Ferrari granted early scouting opportunities rather than mandatory obligations. The team evaluated Bearman during a practice run in Mexico in 2024 and subsequently assessed Camara during test running in Portimao. Despite their origin in the Italian academy, the decision to sign both drivers rested solely within Haas leadership.
“At no point Ferrari pressurised us,” Komatsu explained regarding the driver selections. “None of that. We choose drivers by ourselves completely, by myself and Mr Gene Haas. So, yes, they are FDA drivers, their careers have been supported by Ferrari, but they are Haas F1 team drivers and we are under no obligation or pressure to take anyone from Ferrari. So that Ferrari B-team thing is just not even a starter.”
Long-Term Stakes for Future Ferrari Promotion
The pairing presents an intriguing internal dynamic given the long-term landscape at Scuderia Ferrari. While Charles Leclerc committed to a multi-year extension earlier this season, Lewis Hamilton turns 42 in January, and his contractual status beyond 2027 remains unconfirmed. Both Bearman and Camara are viewed as prospective candidates whenever a seat opens in Maranello.
Komatsu dismissed worries that an inter-team battle could disrupt Haas, expressing confidence in their focus. “Formula 1, as a whole, is a huge competition,” Komatsu said. “So, a team-mate is the first person you need to beat. What you can control is to get the best out of yourself, absolutely everything, from your team, from yourself. And I believe that's what both of those guys are going to be focused on.”
The Formula 1 paddock now prepares for the upcoming Americas triple-header, starting with the United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 23-25.
The announcement details were first reported by skysports.com.
