An agreement has been reached between Haas and Ferrari in Singapore, which will see Rafael Camara replace Esteban Ocon, RacingNews365 has learned from reliable paddock sources.
It was announced prior to the Bahrain GP weekend that Frenchman Ocon was to depart Haas after two seasons at the end of the 2026 campaign, but his replacement was not immediately named.
As previously reported by RacingNews365, several drivers were in the running to partner Oliver Bearman in 2027, with these including Ferrari protege Camara, who is in contention for the F2 title, and former Alpine driver, and Haas's own third driver, Jack Doohan.
The team had conducted a series of TPC outings with Camara, Doohan and Toyota driver, and sometime FP1 appearer Ryo Hirakawa taking part, as well as McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli.
It is understood from sources with knowledge of the tests that Camara and Doohan emerged as the two main contenders, with Camara understood to have performed in line with his strong reputation whilst Doohan's performance was so strong, it presented Haas's management with a difficult decision.
RacingNews365 understands that over the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, the decision was finalised in favour of Camara, with a formal announcement expected next week.
Camara will arrive at Haas with the backing of Ferrari, and substantial sponsorship from his native Brazil.
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Identity crisis at Haas?
While Camara’s signing is a welcome development that gives a major young talent a well-deserved opportunity in F1, it has divided opinions within the industry, with Haas what has been described as 'murky waters' by several sources inside the paddock.
Haas already fields senior Ferrari Driver Academy driver Bearman, with Camara set to join the Briton in an all-Ferrari junior line-up for 2027.
Given that the Anglo-American outfit uses Ferrari engines, gearboxes, and other components, and even operates a design office in Maranello, a growing consensus in the paddock suggests that the team owned by Gene Haas and led by Ayao Komatsu will have to be viewed by many as Ferrari's "B-team" from 2027 onward.
The issue of team synergy and B-teams has long been a subject of debate in F1. The connection between Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls rests on what could be called “historical” foundations, yet it remains polarising.
Consequently, when rumours recently emerged that Mercedes was preparing to buy a stake in Alpine, McLaren CEO Zak Brown wrote a letter to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, urging the governing body to take immediate steps to eliminate B-teams and anti-competitive links between outfits.
Komatsu addressed this perception during his media briefing in Sepang - the first time he had faced the media since Ocon's departure was announced.
"Whatever we do, there are different optics. If we chose Hirakawa, I'm sure some people will say they just chose Hirakawa only because he's a Toyota driver," he said.
"If we take Rafa, you will say: 'He's another Ferrari driver.' If we take Leonardo Fornaroli, it would be said that: 'Haas is now becoming McLaren B team, where's the identity?'
"So whatever we do, you guys will put out whatever you like, but I'm not worried at all. I'm not worried at all."
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