Summary

Rafael Câmara is closing in on a Haas race seat for the 2027 F1 season, with Leonardo Fornaroli now out of contention. GRANDE PRÊMIO understands the Italian has been formally informed that he will not be selected, leaving Ryō Hirakawa as the Brazilian’s remaining theoretical rival.

The development follows Haas’s confirmation that Esteban Ocon will leave at the end of 2026. Câmara is in a strongly favourable position to replace him alongside Oliver Bearman, although the team has not announced a signing.

The distinction is important: Ocon’s departure is official, while Câmara’s promotion remains dependent on Haas completing its decision and announcing its next driver. Fornaroli’s elimination nevertheless removes a significant competitor from the selection process.

Fornaroli’s elimination narrows the Haas decision

Haas had considered a broader group of candidates, including Ocon, Câmara, Fornaroli, Hirakawa and Jack Doohan. The team used previous-car testing to assess drivers before deciding how to approach its 2027 line-up.

Fornaroli participated in the evaluation at Portimão and had been regarded as a serious contender. His status as the 2025 Formula 2 champion and his connection to McLaren’s development programme gave his candidacy considerable weight.

He has now been told that he will not receive the seat. With Ocon departing and Doohan no longer a leading contender, the decision has narrowed to Câmara and Hirakawa.

Ferrari preparation and Gene Haas backing strengthen Câmara’s case

Câmara’s preparation included Ferrari running before the comparative Haas test. His SF-25 outing at Mugello formed part of the build-up to the Portimão evaluation, where Bearman provided a reference for the candidates.

The Brazilian also gained the backing of the team’s owner. Gene Haas was reportedly impressed by Câmara’s performance in Portugal, strengthening a candidacy supported by Ferrari.

That relationship gives Haas an established route for bringing another Ferrari-trained driver into its line-up. Bearman already followed that path, while Câmara’s tests have allowed the team to assess his readiness beyond his results in junior racing.

Câmara has also made his own position clear. Asked whether he felt prepared for a full-time Formula 1 opportunity, he expressed confidence after working with both teams.

“Yes. I don’t see why I wouldn’t be ready,” Câmara said.

His assessment of those experiences is detailed in Câmara’s explanation of how Ferrari and Haas testing prepared him for F1.

Why Hirakawa remains an alternative

Hirakawa’s candidacy is supported by Toyota, Haas’s technical partner. His experience in testing and car development gives the team a different profile to consider against Câmara’s potential for a longer-term project.

The Japanese driver has won Le Mans and the WEC with Toyota. His endurance background and Formula 1 test work therefore carry sporting value alongside the relationship between the manufacturer and Haas.

Câmara offers a different proposition: a young driver progressing through the single-seater ladder, supported by Ferrari and already evaluated against the other candidates. Hirakawa remains an option, but the Brazilian has moved considerably closer to securing the opportunity.

Ocon will complete the season before leaving

Haas announced Ocon’s departure on Wednesday, 30 September. The Frenchman joined in 2025 and will remain with the team through the final race of the current championship.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu acknowledged his contribution when confirming the separation.

“I’d like to thank Esteban for everything he’s contributed to the team since joining us in 2025,” Komatsu said.

The announcement formally opened the seat that Câmara has been pursuing. The confirmation of Ocon’s Haas exit also established that the team will enter 2027 with a changed driver pairing.

Câmara’s performances in Formula 2 and his work in Formula 1 machinery have brought him to the final stage of that process. With Fornaroli eliminated, the remaining question is whether Haas will complete the expected promotion or choose Hirakawa.

Formula 1 returns to action at Sepang from 2–4 October for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. Haas heads into the weekend with Ocon’s departure confirmed and the identity of his replacement still awaiting an official announcement.

F1 today: FAQ

Who won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?

Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, 4 October, taking his first victory of the 2026 F1 season. Kimi Antonelli finished second, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium.

Why was the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia delayed?

Heavy rain initially delayed the start at Sepang. Several drivers then experienced power delivery problems during the formation procedure, forcing race control to suspend the start again. The race eventually began more than 90 minutes after its scheduled time.

How far ahead is Kimi Antonelli in the F1 championship?

Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 84 points after finishing second at Sepang while his Mercedes teammate retired. Antonelli has 320 points, Russell has 236 and Lewis Hamilton is third with 214.

Has Rafael Câmara been confirmed by Haas for 2027?

No. Câmara is close to securing the seat, but Haas has not officially announced him as Ocon’s replacement.