Haas announced the signing of Formula 2 championship frontrunner Rafael Câmara for the 2027 season, after his testing with the 2025 car demonstrated “outstanding” pace and adaptability, chief strategist Ayao Komatsu said.
Test Performance Beats Competition
During the team’s testing‑previous‑cars programme, Câmara, fornaroli, Hirakawa and Jack Doohan all ran the 2025 chassis at Portimão. Câmara produced the quickest lap times and showed a fluid response to changing track temperatures, wind and tyre vibration, impressing the hierarchy wherever conditions faltered.
Komatsu highlighted that speed was the sole criterion: “He was the quickest, that is all.” The Brazilian’s performance during the fluctuating test weather convinced the team that a natural pace and feel could not be taught.
Strategic Choice and Junior Partnerships
Haas has no obligation to work with a single junior programme, yet the new contract will pair fresh rookie Rafael Câmara with incumbent driver Oliver Bearman, both coming through the Ferrari family of teams. “We can rely on our relationship with Ferrari to provide talent,” Komatsu explained, noting the previous recruitment of Bearman.
The fits achieved through Rahiam Honda’s previous partnership with Bearman are already informing the developmental approach that the technical department will later tailor to Câmara’s strengths and weaknesses.
Future Plans and Development
While a Formula 1 free‑practice appearance for Câmara remains “to be confirmed,” the team will monitor his progress closely. Komatsu said Haas will bring the learning from Bearman’s rookie season into Câmara’s programme, focusing on consistency and race craft.
“We need to understand the individual, discover what drives him, and see where the learning lies,” Komatsu noted. He added that Câmara’s track‑craft will improve as the team works to convert the natural speed he displayed in testing into reliable race performance.
Competitive Edge in 2027
With two Ferrari‑aligned drivers in the midfield, Haas is set to enter the 2027 grid with a blend of proven speed and developmental promise. The team’s decision, rooted strictly in on‑track metrics, positions Câmara as the fastest and most adaptable newcomer in the package, aligned with the squad’s performance‑first philosophy.
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