HAAS MAKE THEIR CALL — AND A MCLAREN STAR MISSES OUT! ESTEBAN OCON’S REPLACEMENT CONFIRMED AS A FERRARI DRIVER GETS THE NOD IN A SURPRISE TWIST! Haas have confirmed who will replace Esteban Ocon, delivering a decision that puts the spotlight on their driver plans and leaves McLaren’s rising talent on the outside looking in. Instead of choosing the McLaren star, the team have opted for a Ferrari driver — a move that raises fresh questions about what swung the decision behind the scenes. Was it experience, long-term potential or a strategic link that made the difference? With one seat now accounted for, the real intrigue is why Haas went this route — and what the snub could mean for the driver left waiting.

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HAAS TURN TO ANOTHER FERRARI WONDERKID AFTER ESTEBAN OCON EXIT — THE ROOKIE WHO BEAT A STRING OF RIVALS TO LAND HIS F1 DREAM

Haas have confirmed a major change to their driver line-up, turning to another rising star from Ferrari’s talent pipeline to replace Esteban Ocon for the 2027 Formula One season.

Brazilian prospect Rafael Camara has secured his promotion after an extensive evaluation process, earning a seat alongside Oliver Bearman, whose performances with the American team have helped establish a new benchmark.

The announcement comes with Camara leading the Formula 2 championship with just two rounds remaining. He holds a seven-point advantage over Red Bull prospect Nikola Tsolov and has already claimed both Formula 3 and Formula European titles at the first attempt.

His F1 promotion is confirmed regardless of whether he wins the F2 crown, underlining how highly Haas rate his potential.

Haas confirm Esteban Ocon's replacement as McLaren star snubbed | F1 | Sport | Express.co.uk

HAAS CHOOSE CAMARA AFTER INTENSE DRIVER SEARCH

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu praised the young Brazilian’s achievements and the maturity he has demonstrated during his rookie F2 campaign.

“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent,” Komatsu said. “I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulae – it’s been very impressive. In his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he’s shown in some very difficult moments goes to show the potential Rafa has.”

Ocon’s departure was confirmed only weeks earlier, but Haas had been assessing possible replacements for months. Camara ultimately emerged ahead of reserve driver Jack Doohan, who made seven F1 appearances for Alpine.

Haas also tested Japanese drivers Ryo Hirakawa and Sho Tsuboi through its partnership with Toyota Racing. Leonardo Fornaroli, the previous season’s F2 champion, was another option, with McLaren reportedly keen to secure an F1 seat for the Italian.

However, Camara had been considered the leading candidate for several weeks before Haas finalised the deal with Ferrari following the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

THE TEST THAT HELPED SEAL HIS FUTURE

Haas finalise new F1 driver-line up with Esteban Ocon replacement chosen | RacingNews365

A crucial part of Camara’s case came in August, when he drove a previous-generation Haas F1 car at Portimão in Portugal.

His performance reportedly impressed both Komatsu and team owner Gene Haas, demonstrating that he could adapt quickly to an unfamiliar car rather than relying on raw pace alone.

Komatsu said: “He showed when we had him drive in our TPC program in Portugal that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of time to learn the car, he showed us more than just raw speed.”

The team principal also highlighted Camara’s ability to create the right working environment around himself and extract the best from his performance.

“Rafa managed to create an environment to get the best out of himself, it was very impressive and certainly the laps he completed were special. We’re all excited about this opportunity and really committed to nurture this talent and provide a place where he can flourish.”

For Haas, the decision represents a commitment to developing a young driver with championship-winning credentials in the junior categories.

CAMARA PREPARES FOR THE BIGGEST STEP OF HIS CAREER

Haas confirm Esteban Ocon's replacement as McLaren star snubbed | F1 | Sport | Express.co.uk

Camara expressed his gratitude to Haas, Ferrari’s driver academy and his family after securing the opportunity to compete in Formula One.

“I want to thank Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me. I’m also very grateful to the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy for their support and for everything they have contributed to my development over the years, as well as to my family for always being there throughout this journey,” he said.

He added that his immediate priority would be preparing for the demands of racing at the highest level.

“Now, my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge. There will be a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”

Camara now faces the task of translating his success in the junior categories into results against Formula One’s established names. Racing alongside Bearman will give Haas two young drivers to develop, while Ocon’s exit marks the end of his spell with the American outfit.

Haas makes its choice: Esteban Ocon's 2027 replacement is nearly finalized

With his F1 seat secured and the F2 title still within reach, Camara heads into the final rounds of the season with both a championship fight and a new chapter awaiting him in 2027.