Ahead of the 2026 F2 Monaco GP, Invicta Racing’s Rafael Câmara spoke exclusively to Pit Debrief about his unforgettable first-ever F1 test with Ferrari at the Hungaroring. Between the Miami and Montreal rounds, the Brazilian got behind the wheel of Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, the SF-25, alongside fellow Ferrari Driver Academy member Dino Beganovic.
For the reigning Formula 3 Champion, the outing marked Câmara’s first experience in F1 machinery. However, having gone on to claim the F3 title last year, he now has his sights set on securing back-to-back championships, following in the footsteps of fellow countryman and current Audi F1 driver, Gabriel Bortoleto
Câmara: “It was something very special”
Having joined the Ferrari Driver Academy at the end of 2021, the 21 year-old has established himself as one of Ferrari’s most exciting prospects. Reflecting on his day behind the wheel of the SF-25, Câmara said: “Yeah, it was very fun. Quick, very quick, much quicker than F2. I think when you’re driving you’re just trying to do your best. When you’re focused and doing the things well, it’s more easy to understand.”
“So obviously, in your first F1 test, you don’t want to do anything stupid. But, obviously, in the end, you just want to be as quick as you can, pushing to see where is the limit of the car, and it is very fun because it’s very quick and you can really feel the speed, after you get a bit used to it.”
Although adapting to the sheer speed of a Formula 1 car took time, Câmara found pure joy and excitement in pushing the limits. However, the monumental day marked a special occasion for his family as his parents were trackside with him, watching him take his first step towards his Formula 1 dream.
“But in the beginning, it’s something that you don’t really expect to be that quick. It was something very special, being also there with my parents, and, I mean, it was something that you don’t really think that will happen when you start.”
A source of motivation to continue working towards his dream
Having achieved the dream of stepping into a Formula 1 cockpit, the Brazilian said this opportunity has given him a new source of motivation to keep working towards his goal of reaching the pinnacle of motorsport.
“Of course, you have the dream to drive an F1 car, to be there, but it’s something that is very, very fun, and so it was very good to be there with my family and everyone.”
“And I think it’s seen that we were able to achieve something very good for us, and now it gives, I think, also the good taste, so it keeps you motivated to keep going, working harder, and to be closer to your goal.”
Heading into the weekend, Câmara sits 2nd in the F2 Drivers’ Standings with 36 points. As the European leg gets underway, the reigning Formula 3 Champion will be hoping to close the gap to current championship leader, Gabriele Minì.
