Komatsu: Camara won Haas seat on pace, not Ferrari ties
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu says Rafael Camara earned the team’s 2027 Formula 1 seat through his pace and adaptability, not because of his ties to Ferrari’s junior programme.
Camara impressed during Haas’s Testing of Previous Cars programme, which used the team’s 2025 car to assess candidates for next season. Komatsu said the Brazilian’s first run at Portimão stood out, particularly his ability to handle changing conditions.
The signing was confirmed as Camara’s Haas F1 debut for 2027, with Komatsu now explaining how the team reached its decision.
Portimão test made Camara the clear choice
Haas also assessed reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa and Jack Doohan. Komatsu said Camara was the quickest in the team’s testing and that performance was the overriding consideration.
The Portimão run gave Haas a chance to judge more than outright speed. Track conditions shifted during the test, with changes in temperature and wind, while tyre vibration added another complication. Komatsu was impressed by the calm way Camara adapted to those variables.
The team’s relationship with Ferrari gave it access to Ferrari Driver Academy prospects, Komatsu acknowledged. But he said that connection did not determine the choice. Camara’s natural speed and feel were the qualities Haas valued most, with Komatsu arguing that instinct is harder to develop than other aspects of a driver’s performance.
Haas expects to build Camara’s F1 preparation around him
Komatsu recognised that Camara’s racecraft and tyre management have not been consistent in every Formula 2 race, but believes those areas can be improved. He said Haas would first need to understand how the Brazilian works and what conditions help him perform.
The team will draw on lessons from preparing Oliver Bearman for Formula 1, while recognising that Camara is a different driver. Bearman’s previous opportunities with Haas included several FP1 sessions; a possible FP1 outing for Camara before the end of this season remains undecided.
Camara is currently leading the Formula 2 championship. His appointment means Haas is set to have two Ferrari juniors in its line-up next season if Bearman is retained, as expected. The move also follows Haas’s decision to choose Camara to replace Esteban Ocon for 2027.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.