In what could be the biggest (and only) driver market change in F1 2027, Formula 2 Championship Leader and Ferrari Junior Rafael Camara has been announced as the replacement of Esteban Ocon at the American Outfit.

Who is Rafael Camara?

Born on 5th May 2005, the Brazilian driver made his single seater debut in 2022 with collecting podium championships in UEE, Italian and ADAC F4 championships of second, third and third respectfully. He collected third in the Formula Regional Middle East championship and fifth in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine on his first go, before getting third in FRMEC and winning the FRECA title on his second attempt. In 2025, he added the F3 championship to his impressive trophy collection with Trident before stepping up to F2 in 2026 with Invicta Racing where he leads the championship with 2 rounds to go.

Is he the right for for Haas?

For Haas, not being a sole manufacturer in F1 has always been a disadvantage for them, with the American outfit taking as many parts as they can from Scudaria Ferrari, including the power unit. As well as this, Haas have taken on Ferrari junior drivers in the past which surely allows them to get a discount on the financial burden they face in F1. They have carried Mick Schumacher and Ollie Bearman who were/are Ferrari Driver Academy members, such as the case with Rafa Camara.

I’ve managed to watch Camara’s F2 and F3 seasons to see how he races and there is no doubt of his raw speed; as reports suggest it impressed Haas on the TPC day in Portimao and some members of the team think even Bearman would struggle to beat Camara on the day.

However, raw speed was never Camara’s issue. He managed to get 5 poles in F3 and 4 fastest laps in his sole season, taking victory 4 times; all from pole position. His Formula 2 season is the same; 5 pole positions (so far) with 5 fastest laps with 2 victories in F2, both from pole position as well.

My main issue is his race craft. Rafael Camara has never stood on the podium in an F2 OR F3 race in his 2 seasons in the junior series’ before F1. Don’t get me wrong, he has finished in the points in the majority of races that he has finished, however, I am unsure if this should be enough to get him to F1 on raw speed alone.

How will Camara cope alongside Bearman

The Camara vs Bearman scrap will be arguable the most interesting battle in F1 2027. With Lewis Hamilton’s seat up for grabs in 2028, I think its clear to say whoever finishes on top will secure the Italian outfit’s seat beside the Monegasque of Charles Leclerc.

Qualifying wise, I think Camara will beat (or at least be VERY close to) Bearman in a direct head to head qualifying. In terms of the race head to head, I do think Bearman will beat the new rookie due to the experience and racecraft of Ollie.

Who do you think will reign supreme in the Haas battle?

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