Official: Nikola Tsolov's Chief Rival Seals Formula 1 Seat

Haas has officially announced the signing of Rafael Camara, who will partner Oliver Bearman in the American team's lineup for the 2027 Formula 1 season.

Camara currently leads the Formula 2 drivers' standings, where his main title rival is Bulgarian racer Nikola Tsolov. Just seven points separate the two ahead of the final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in late November and early December, with Camara having reclaimed the championship lead during the recent weekend in Baku.

The Brazilian will arrive in Formula 1 with at least two junior championship titles under his belt. He clinched the Formula Regional European Championship in 2024 and followed it up with the Formula 3 title in 2025, beating Tsolov to the crown before the pair took their rivalry to Formula 2 this season.

Camara will replace Esteban Ocon at Haas, whose departure from the American outfit was confirmed right after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. As a result, Haas will field an all-Ferrari Driver Academy lineup, with both Camara and Bearman representing the Scuderia's junior programme.

For now, Camara remains the only confirmed rookie on the 2027 Formula 1 grid. The Brazilian could well be the sole newcomer next season, which will ultimately hinge on Racing Bulls' decision whether to sign Tsolov or retain their current duo of Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad.