Ayao Komatsu Reveals Why Haas Signed Rafael Camara for 2027

Ayao Komatsu has revealed why Haas signed Rafael Camara for the 2027 season. The American team boss explained that the Brazilian, current Formula 2 leader and Formula 3 champion, impressed them both for his speed and for his ability to manage pressure during the two-day test he carried out in Portimao last August: "We see enormous potential in Rafa; he is someone we can grow together with, so I am very excited to make sure we can maximize his potential," Komatsu declared in an exclusive interview with the official F1 website.

The Portimao test was decisive. Camaro faced three other candidates for the seat: Leo Fornaroli, a McLaren development driver, and the Haas reserves, Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa, and there the Brazilian stood out from the first moment: "It was really incredible the feel he has to understand the level of grip and adapt to all conditions; in cold conditions he set a fairly impressive lap time. Then conditions worsened, and the car became harder to drive, but he didn't get nervous at all. He simply drove to the conditions, then there was a four-hour interval, and the conditions changed again. He started with a good lap time and then did two more runs; the rate of improvement was simply incredible," Komatsu explained.

The Haas boss also highlighted Camara's attitude during the test: "Everyone has a different way of handling pressure; I think his approach was the right one. He wasn't focusing on the result. I always say we have to focus on what we can control. Rafa did exactly the same; he thought, 'How can I be the best version of myself?' So he maximized everything. He understood how to put himself in the right mental state to bring out the best in himself, so the overall package was impressive," he added.

With the test data in hand, Komatsu met with the team owner, Gene Haas, to decide the replacement for Esteban Ocon: "It was close; I feel we were in a very fortunate position. All the drivers who were in the evaluation frame brought out the best in themselves, and their attitude was unbeatable; they were all professional in the way they approached it, and the way they handled the pressure was impressive," he noted.

The decision to bet on a rookie alongside another young driver like Ollie Bearman could be considered a risk, but Komatsu trusts in Haas's ability to develop talent: "When we first met Ollie, the potential was clear. I was convinced that he is an incredible talent, and when we met, I was sure that we could succeed, that we could grow together, create a good environment, and support each other; that is exactly what has happened," he recalled.

Komatsu confirmed that his intention is to continue with Bearman in 2027, although the official announcement has not yet been made: "It's a matter of time, but it's not totally under my control. He is such a great guy to work with; his speed is totally clear. If you saw the Singapore race, his overtakes were incredible. His conviction and precision are simply brilliant. He is a pleasure to watch and a pleasure to work with," he concluded.

Camara, for his part, will combine his fight for the F2 title with his integration at Haas, which will include an FP1 session in Brazil and the young driver tests in Abu Dhabi.