As the 2026 Formula 1® season nears its conclusion, attention is turning to the driver line-up decisions for 2027, particularly for the Haas team. With contracts yet to be finalized, speculation and insider insights are shaping expectations about who might be behind the wheel for the American outfit next year.
Currently, Esteban Ocon is one of Haas’s drivers, but he is reportedly a free agent for 2027 without a confirmed contract extension. Sources suggest that Ocon is likely to leave Haas after the 2026 season and may take on a reserve driver role elsewhere. Meanwhile, his teammate Oliver Bearman is expected to keep his seat at Haas for the upcoming season.
Among the potential candidates to replace Ocon, Rafael Camara stands out as the leading contender. As a Ferrari junior driver and the 2025 Formula 3 champion, Camara has impressed during testing sessions with both Ferrari and Haas. His strong performances have positioned him ahead of other hopefuls on Haas’s shortlist.
Other drivers in consideration include Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren’s reserve driver and the 2024 Formula 3 and 2025 Formula 2 champion. Fornaroli has also tested Haas cars and was once viewed as a strong candidate, but recent assessments place him behind Camara in the pecking order. Yuki Tsunoda, a former full-time Formula 1® driver and current Red Bull reserve, has shown capable substitute performances during 2026 but is not expected to secure a race seat with Haas.
Additionally, Ryo Hirakawa, backed by Toyota and serving as a reserve driver with extensive Haas testing experience, is not anticipated to be promoted to a race seat. Jack Doohan, an Alpine Academy graduate and Haas reserve driver in 2026, has performed well in tests but is also not at the top of Haas’s list for 2027.
The partnership between Haas and Ferrari continues to influence driver development and selection, with Ferrari’s junior program playing a key role in shaping the future Haas line-up. This relationship provides Haas with access to emerging talent like Camara, aligning with the team’s strategy for building a competitive roster.
While no official announcements have been made, the insights from Formula 1® correspondent Lawrence Barretto suggest that Haas is leaning towards retaining Oliver Bearman and bringing in Rafael Camara for the 2027 season. Esteban Ocon’s departure appears likely, with his future role possibly shifting to a reserve position elsewhere in the paddock.
These developments highlight Haas’s ongoing efforts to balance experience and youth in their driver line-up. The team’s decisions will be closely watched as the 2026 season wraps up and preparations for 2027 accelerate.