Komatsu says Camara’s adaptability helped secure his 2027 Haas seat

Haas has signed Rafael Camara for a Formula 1 seat in 2027. Team principal Ayao Komatsu says the team sees “huge potential” in the Brazilian and was impressed by his adaptability under pressure. During a two-day test, Camara adjusted as conditions changed and did not panic when the car became harder to drive.

The test took place in August 2026 at Portimão, with Camara driving old-spec Haas machinery as part of an assessment with other young drivers. The 21-year-old Ferrari junior won the 2025 Formula 3 title and was leading the 2026 Formula 2 championship after the Baku round.

Komatsu said Camara set an impressive lap in cool conditions, then stayed calm as conditions worsened and the car grew more difficult to drive. After a four-hour break, Camara ran again in different conditions for two further runs. Komatsu summed up the improvement: “The rate of improvement was just incredible.”

Leo Fornaroli, the 2025 F2 champion, and Haas reserve drivers were also part of the assessment. Komatsu said the choice was close and that all the candidates in contention got the best from themselves and handled the pressure professionally.

Camara’s mindset was another factor. Komatsu said he focused on what he could control and on getting the best out of himself, rather than on the result. Haas owner Gene Haas had followed Camara in F2 in 2026; Komatsu said Camara’s approach on and off the track made him the frontrunner, and an agreement followed quickly.

Komatsu said his objective was to continue with Ollie Bearman at Haas in 2027. At the time of the interview, the team had not announced Camara’s teammate, and Komatsu said Bearman’s continuation was not entirely under his control.

At the time of the interview, Camara’s immediate focus was the 2026 F2 title, with two rounds left in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.