Haas F1 Team has recently completed a three-day Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at Portimao, focusing on evaluating potential drivers ahead of the 2027 Formula 1® season. The test involved reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, 2025 Formula 2 champion and McLaren development driver Leonardo Fornaroli, and Ferrari junior Rafael Camara. This activity is part of Haas’s ongoing process to shape its driver line-up for next year, with decisions still pending.
The TPC test took place from August 26 to 28, 2026, using the VF-25 car from the 2025 season. It followed a similar session held in July at Fuji, where Toyota-backed drivers Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi participated. Haas is assessing several drivers as it prepares for the 2027 campaign, while current driver Oliver Bearman is expected to retain his seat. Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon’s future with the team remains under review, with no final confirmation announced.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has emphasized that the team’s priority remains on maximizing performance during the 2026 season rather than rushing decisions about the next year’s driver pairing. Komatsu also noted that interest from various drivers is a positive indication of Haas’s potential, despite the challenges the team currently faces. Historically, Haas tends to announce its driver line-ups later than many other teams, and a similar timeline is anticipated for the 2027 season.
The involvement of drivers like Hirakawa, Fornaroli, and Camara in the recent TPC test highlights Haas’s strategy to explore a range of talent from different development backgrounds. Fornaroli, as the reigning Formula 2 champion and a McLaren development driver, brings notable credentials, while Camara continues to build his profile as a Ferrari junior driver. Hirakawa, serving as Haas’s reserve driver, also gained valuable track time during the sessions.
Oliver Bearman’s position appears secure for 2027, reflecting the team’s confidence in his progress. In contrast, Esteban Ocon’s seat is subject to evaluation, with Haas considering various options before making a final decision. This approach aligns with the team’s cautious stance on driver announcements, focusing on current season performance and thorough assessment rather than early commitments.
As the 2027 Formula 1® driver market gains momentum following the summer break, Haas remains one of the few teams yet to confirm its full line-up. The recent TPC testing at Portimao is a clear sign of the team’s methodical approach to driver selection, balancing the need to evaluate emerging talent with the demands of ongoing competition.
Haas’s measured process and continued testing activities underline the team’s intent to make informed decisions for the future. The coming months are likely to provide further clarity on the 2027 driver pairing, with announcements expected in line with the team’s established pattern of timing.