For Rafael Câmara, speculation surrounding his future continues to circulate around the F1 and F2 paddock, with the Brazilian rumoured to be in contention for the second seat at Haas. On top of that, Câmara has also been linked with a potential seat at Cadillac.
The 21 year-old’s rise through the junior single-seater ranks has been nothing short of impressive, having never finished lower than fifth in any championship or series he has raced in since making his single-seater debut in 2022.
Racing with Invicta Racing in F2 this year, Câmara currently sits third in the Driver’s Standings with 145 points, having secured five podiums, including two Feature Race wins.
Câmara weighs in on potential FP1 opportunities with Ferrari or Haas
The Brazilian is yet to make his official F1 weekend debut, although he has already taken part in several test sessions with Ferrari. Between the Miami and Montreal rounds, Câmara got behind the wheel of the SF-25 alongside fellow Ferrari Driver Academy member Dino Beganovic.
Speaking during a press conference at the Barcelona round, attended by Pit Debrief, when asked whether any opportunities had arisen for him to take part in an official F1 FP1 session with either Ferrari or Haas, Câmara said: “I think whenever we’ll be in the FP1, it’s always nice to be driving a Formula 1 car.”
“But for the moment, we’re more, I think, focusing on Formula 2 and doing other things for the championship. And yeah, I think the F2 and F1 is very different.”
Reflecting on his test session with Ferrari, Câmara recalled the adrenaline that came with experiencing the speed of a Formula 1 car and described the day as “a great moment”.
“In a way, it’s even like a different sport, because it’s so crazy how much speed you’re carrying, how different it is and things. But in the days of other cars, you’re doing the same thing as always. So yeah, it was a very nice experience being with Ferrari in the first test as well.”
“It was a great moment. A lot of fun driving an F1 car. Like I said, it’s very quick. So I think for a driver, the more quick you go, the more adrenaline you have. It’s a better feeling always. So yeah, it was a good day.”
A potential future in F1 with Haas
Heading into the 2026 F2 season as the reigning Formula 3 Champion, the Brazilian has continued to strengthen his case for a future seat in F1 with his performances.
Nonetheless, his upcoming private test with Haas could prove crucial to his chances of securing the seat for next year. Reigning Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli, Yuki Tsunoda and Ryo Hirakawa are among the other names rumoured to be in contention, while Ollie Bearman looks set to remain with the team for 2027.
Câmara has also earned the support and backing of Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who has openly advocated for the 21 year-old to secure a seat with Haas for the 2027 season.
“For the moment, I don’t really know how it’s going. But it will be another bad thing if it happens. But yeah, like I said, just trying to focus on doing things well on my side.”, said Câmara at the time when discussing the possibility of a F1 seat with Haas.
“It’s a long way to go in the championship, and I’m just trying to get a good championship that I will be happy at the end of the season, happy with myself, happy with the job I did. So yeah, and then for the future, we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
