Ferrari details partnership with Haas and support for Câmara’s 2027 F1 seat bid

Key takeaways

• Comprehensive Ferrari backing: Ferrari is providing financial support and testing in previous-generation cars (TPC) to ensure Rafael Câmara is fully prepared for his F1 transition.
• In contention for Haas seat: Sitting 3rd in the F2 standings, Câmara has emerged as a top contender to join Haas, which is evaluating options to replace Esteban Ocon alongside Oliver Bearman.
• Portimão shoot-out test: The Brazilian will participate in a multi-driver evaluation test in Portimão against Leonardo Fornaroli and Ryō Hirakawa.

Speaking during a press conference attended by GRANDE PRÊMIO at the Dutch Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur confirmed that Maranello is providing full support to Rafael Câmara in his pursuit of a 2027 Formula 1 seat. Beyond financial backing, Vasseur emphasized that Ferrari has conducted multiple Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions to ensure the 21-year-old Brazilian driver is thoroughly prepared.

Currently third in the Formula 2 standings, trailing championship leader Nikola Tsolov by 22 points, the Pernambuco native has emerged as a primary target for Haas ahead of the 2027 campaign. Following a difficult stretch of performances for Esteban Ocon, the team led by Ayao Komatsu is exploring driver market alternatives to pair with Oliver Bearman.

While Câmara stands as a leading candidate, competition for the seat remains intense. McLaren Development Driver Leonardo Fornaroli—who has previously tested for the American squad—is also under consideration. According to Dutch outlet GPblog, both young drivers will take part in an evaluation test at Portimão from August 26–28 alongside Ryō Hirakawa, who holds strong backing from Haas’ technical partner, Toyota.

Other names linked to the seat include Haas reserve Jack Doohan and Yuki Tsunoda, who received a lifeline after substituting for Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls during the Dutch GP.

Vasseur detailed how Ferrari is guiding the Ferrari Driver Academy member through the process:

“We support Rafa a lot. It is not only financial support. We provide financial backing, but we have also conducted many TPC tests with him this year,” Vasseur explained.

“The costs of these tests are often higher than direct financial support. We are doing this to prepare him in the best possible way for next week’s test and for next season. Haas is our partner, and together we are trying to find the best route to place him in F1 next year,” he concluded.

The driver market update comes as Ferrari prepares a special SF-26 tribute livery for Michael Schumacher at Monza, while Mercedes considers deploying an ADUO engine upgrade. Meanwhile, Honda urged Fernando Alonso to extend his F1 career through 2027.

Formula 1 returns from September 4–6 at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the 2026 season. GRANDE PRÊMIO provides complete live coverage of all track action. Follow all updates on our news page.

World Championship Standings (Top 5 after Dutch GP)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. What support is Ferrari providing to Rafael Câmara for his F1 transition?

Ferrari is offering direct financial support and funding extensive TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) track sessions to prepare Câmara for Formula 1.

2. Which team is considering Rafael Câmara for a 2027 F1 race seat?

Haas is actively considering Rafael Câmara as an option for 2027 to potentially partner Oliver Bearman.

3. Who are the other drivers competing for the potential 2027 Haas seat?

Câmara faces competition from McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli, Toyota-backed driver Ryō Hirakawa, Haas reserve Jack Doohan, and Yuki Tsunoda.