Rafael Câmara is now the favorite to join Haas from the 2027 season: the chances of the young Brazilian replacing Esteban Ocon are estimated at 90%, still to be confirmed.
Read more Communication and strategy, the weak points of the Scuderia, according to Nico Rosberg
Haas was mainly considering three candidates to prepare for the post-Ocon era: Leonardo Fornaroli, Ryo Hirakawa, and Rafael Câmara.
Jack Doohan was also evaluated this week in Jerez, although he was not really considered a priority option.
A rookie rather than a veteran
Under contract with McLaren, Fornaroli was reportedly ruled out after a test organized in Portimão. The veteran Hirakawa (32 years old) had the support of Toyota, Haas’s technical partner, but the American team is expected to ultimately favor Câmara. At only 21 years old, the Ferrari Driver Academy driver also presents significant commercial interest due to his popularity in Brazil.
His arrival would allow Haas to field two Ferrari-linked drivers in 2027. Oliver Bearman is expected to stay for a third season, even though his extension has not yet been officially announced. An official announcement for Câmara could come at the Brazilian Grand Prix in early November, which would give Haas significant exposure around the arrival of the Brazilian driver.
Câmara quickly established himself among the most promising young drivers. Formula 3 champion in his first season in 2025 with Trident, he notably won four main races and set a record of five pole positions.
A frozen market
Having moved to Formula 2 with Invicta Racing in 2026, the Brazilian is also competing for the title in his first year. He currently holds second place in the championship with 170 points, just seven points behind Nikola Tsolov, after winning two races. If negotiations succeed, the duo Oliver Bearman – Rafael Câmara would represent the new generation of Haas in 2027, while Esteban Ocon would leave the team after two seasons.
Read more McLaren wants to get Oscar Piastri back on track
Frederik Vesti believes Haas could be the only team to make a major driver change in 2027, with Câmara appearing to him as a natural candidate to replace Esteban Ocon. The Mercedes reserve driver points out that the transfer market is currently particularly closed.
“Every weekend, with my management, we talk with teams and keep in touch. But we are also in a situation where there is currently no available seat, explains the Dane. The most likely scenario is that there will be a replacement at Haas, and only at Haas. Maybe for Rafael: he is a Ferrari driver, he has done good tests, and he is doing well in Formula 2.”
Speed first
Haas boss Ayao Komatsu has already confirmed that several drivers are being evaluated. However, he assures that speed will remain the main selection criterion: “We need two fast drivers, it’s the best way to develop the team. The fastest is the one who suits us best.”
Vesti nevertheless recalls that performance is not always the only factor in choosing a driver, as relationships between manufacturers, partners, and sponsors also play an important role in Formula 1.
For the Danish driver, real opportunities could finally appear in 2028. Cadillac and Alpine seem to want to keep their drivers, while most teams currently prioritize stability, leaving very few places available for next season.
Read more Franco Colapinto: my best weekend in F1