Haas verify Esteban Ocon’s substitute as Ferrari ace to make 2027 F1 debut

Haas have confirmed who will be replacing Esteban Ocon in their second driver seat to partner Ollie Bearman for the 2027 season for their debut F1 year

Haas have snapped up another Ferrari prodigy to replace the axed Esteban Ocon. It was announced that the Frenchman would be departing the team at the end of the season, and Haas have moved to secure Ollie Bearman’s partner.

Scuderia prospect Bearman has excelled since joining the American outfit and Haas had opted to draw from the same talent pool by signing Formula 2 star Rafael Camara.

The Brazilian will make his F1 bow next year alongside his fellow 21 year old after competing in F2, where he tops the standings with two rounds remaining, holding a seven-point advantage over Red Bull hopeful Nikola Tsolov. He’s also a Formula 3 and Formula European champion, claiming both crowns at his maiden attempt.

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Irrespective of whether he secures the F2 crown, his promotion is now sealed after emerging victorious from Haas’s comprehensive evaluation process of all their candidates.

“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent,” said Haas boss Ayao Komatsu. “I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulae – it’s been very impressive. In his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he’s shown in some very difficult moments goes to show the potential Rafa has.”

Ocon’s departure was announced just a fortnight ago, though Haas have been weighing up their alternatives for months. Camara is believed to have been chosen after the squad whittled down the contenders to the Brazilian and their reserve driver Jack Doohan, who competed seven times in F1 for Alpine.

Japanese duo Ryo Hirakawa and Sho Tsuboi were also granted trials, via Haas’ alliance with Toyota Racing. They likewise evaluated last year’s F2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, whose parent squad McLaren was particularly eager to secure the Italian a Formula One drive next season.

However, Camara has been the frontrunner for weeks and Haas confirmed it officially yesterday, having finalised terms with Ferrari in Singapore last weekend. His showing behind the wheel of last year’s Haas F1 machine at Portimao in August helped persuade Komatsu and team owner Gene Haas that Camara represented the optimal selection.

Komatsu said: “He showed when we had him drive in our TPC program in Portugal that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of time to learn the car, he showed us more than just raw speed.

“Rafa managed to create an environment to get the best out of himself, it was very impressive and certainly the laps he completed were special. We’re all excited about this opportunity and really committed to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish.”

Camara said: “I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me. I’m also very grateful to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for their support and for everything they have contributed to my development over the years, as well as to my family for always being there throughout this journey.

“Now, my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge. There will be a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”