Brazilian driver Rafael Camara will race for Haas F1 next season.
The 21-year-old, who is currently leading the Formula 2 standings with two rounds remaining, has signed a “multi-year” deal with the American-owned team.
A space on the grid, expected to be alongside 21-year-old Briton Ollie Bearman, had opened up after Esteban Ocon’s departure at the end of the season was confirmed last month.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has plumped for Camara over other options, such as reserve driver and ex-Alpine racer Jack Doohan, last year’s F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa.
“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent like Rafael Camara,” said Komatsu. “I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulas.
“It’s been very impressive and in his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he’s shown in some very difficult moments, like qualifying in Monaco and Montreal – that all goes to show the potential Rafa has.
“He showed when we had him drive in our TPC [Testing of Previous Cars] programme 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 as Haas F1 to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish. We want to create an environment where he’s comfortable and supported, where he can really excel in his capabilities.”
It marks a rapid progression for Camara, who won Formula 3 in his rookie season last year and was racing in regional formula as recently as 2024.
“I’m very happy to be joining Haas as a Formula 1 driver,” said Camara. “It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank Gene Haas [owner] 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.”
Haas are currently seventh in the constructors’ standings on 30 points, seven clear of Audi in eighth.
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