Rafael Camara Reveals Why He Chose Number 50 for Haas F1 Debut

Rafael Camara has already chosen the number he will display on his car when he debuts in Formula 1 with Haas in 2027. The Brazilian driver, who currently leads the Formula 2 championship, has opted for 50, a number that has a very personal meaning for him: "I think we will use number 50; the first option would be five, but obviously Gabi Bortoleto is using it. It's 50 because basically my birthday is 05/05/2005. I spoke with my father, and then he told me it was 50. It makes sense with the birthday date, so I will use that one next year," Camara explained in an interview.

The number choice isn't random; Haas has used 50 several times. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa carried it during FP1, and Ollie Bearman, Camara's likely teammate in 2027, also used it in his 2024 substitute appearances. Now the Brazilian hopes to make it his own permanently, though the FIA won't confirm it until it publishes the entry list.

Camara's path to Haas has not been simple; the Brazilian faced Hirakawa for Esteban Ocon's seat in a TPC test in Portimao, where he impressed the team boss, Ayao Komatsu, enough to earn a full-time opportunity: "They were two very intense days; you knew the test was going to be important and that you had to perform somehow. You had to perform during those two days with a new track, a new car, and a new team. I tried to learn everything and put it into practice. There was also a huge amount of pressure, so I really tried to concentrate, enjoy it, and make the most of the moment. I think in the end I was happy with the work I did; I was happy with myself," he recalled.

The Brazilian also recounted the moment when Komatsu confirmed the news: "I received a call from Ayao in Milan about the seat, and the first thing I said to him was: 'Are you sure?' Obviously, I was very happy. I was very excited, and then I went to tell my parents, who were also there, and I could tell them in person and give them a big hug. I am extremely happy, especially for my parents; they made a lot of sacrifices to pursue something that was a child's passion, and we don't come from the motorsport world. We didn't really know what the path was to be here, so I am very proud to be here today, and I am just enjoying the moment," Camara concluded.

The 21-year-old Brazilian faces the final stretch of the Formula 2 season with the chance to become champion before jumping to F1; his signing by Haas is the American team's bet on young talent and on the Ferrari academy, which he has belonged to since 2021. Camara arrives with the illusion of a child who sees his dream fulfilled, and with the determination of a driver who knows that the path to here has been long and sacrificed; the number 50 will be his hallmark on the grid, a constant reminder of his roots and of everything he has had to fight to get there.