Brazil to have two F1 drivers in 2027 as Camara joins Haas and Bortoleto stays at Audi

Haas are seventh in the constructors’ standings on 30 points following last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. The next race is the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 25. — AFP file pic

First Published: Friday, 16 Oct 2026 9:53 AM MYT

SAO PAULO, Oct 16 — Brazilian Rafael Camara will race for Haas in 2027, the Formula 1 team announced yesterday after confirming the departure of French driver Esteban Ocon last month.

“It’s an important step in my career,” the 21-year-old said in a statement from the US-based Haas team.

“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,” added Camara, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship.

A member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, Camara has impressed this season with Invicta Racing in Formula 2, having won the Formula 3 title with Trident in 2025.

“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara,” said Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu. “I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulas, it’s been very impressive.”

Camara will partner Britain’s Oliver Bearman, also 21, at Haas.

For the first time since Felipe Massa (Williams) and Felipe Nasr (Sauber) lined up on the grid in 2016, Brazil will have two drivers in F1 next season, with Camara joining Gabriel Bortoleto, who will keep his seat at Audi.

Haas are seventh in the constructors’ standings on 30 points following last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix. The next race is the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, on October 25. — AFP