Haas expects to make a decision on Esteban Ocon’s replacement for the 2027 Formula 1 season by the end of September, with Rafael Câmara and Leonardo Fornaroli emerging as the leading contenders to partner Oliver Bearman. Team principal Ayao Komatsu says outright speed will be essential, but feedback, teamwork, commitment and work ethic will also play a crucial role in the final choice.
The American team remains at the centre of the Formula 1 driver market as the remaining 2027 seats gradually disappear. Esteban Ocon has effectively indicated that he will no longer be driving one of the two Haas cars next season, leaving the team preparing to settle the identity of Bearman’s next team-mate within a matter of days.
Haas targets end-of-September decision on Ocon replacement
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Ayao Komatsu confirmed that Haas does not intend to let the process drag on much longer. The Japanese team principal wants the matter resolved before September comes to an end.
“I hope we can make a decision soon, let’s say by the end of this month,” Komatsu said. “We’re nearly there.”
The decision will determine who lines up alongside Oliver Bearman in 2027, with Haas having evaluated several options as it considers how best to continue developing its Formula 1 project.
Komatsu explains what Haas wants from its next F1 driver
Komatsu has also outlined the qualities Haas considers most important. Pure performance remains the starting point, but the team is placing significant emphasis on how effectively a driver can contribute technically and work within the wider organisation.
“First of all, you need speed, but the quality of the feedback is also fundamental,” Komatsu explained. “You also have to be able to work well within the team.”
That requirement is particularly important for Haas because of the scale of the organisation and the need for both drivers to make a meaningful contribution to the development direction of the car.
“That is especially true for a team like ours, because we need a significant contribution from both drivers to guide development. So team spirit, commitment and work ethic all matter. Those are really crucial aspects.”
Rafael Câmara and Leonardo Fornaroli lead Haas 2027 race
The two leading candidates for the second Haas seat are both potential Formula 1 rookies: Rafael Câmara and Leonardo Fornaroli.
Câmara is the reigning Formula 3 champion and currently sits second in the Formula 2 championship. The Brazilian is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, the same development programme that supported Oliver Bearman on his route to Formula 1.
Leonardo Fornaroli has an equally impressive junior record. The Italian won the Formula 3 championship in 2024 before following it with the Formula 2 title in 2025.
Fornaroli is backed by McLaren and currently serves as one of the team’s reserve and test drivers, putting two major Formula 1 development programmes into direct competition for the Haas opportunity.
Ferrari and McLaren juniors battle for Haas opportunity
The decision therefore carries an additional Academy dimension. Selecting Rafael Câmara would give Haas an all-Ferrari Driver Academy line-up alongside Oliver Bearman, while choosing Leonardo Fornaroli would bring a McLaren-supported driver into the team.
However, Komatsu’s stated criteria make clear that affiliation alone will not decide the seat. Haas wants a driver with the speed to perform immediately but also the technical awareness and collaborative approach required to help steer development.
With the end of September approaching, the wait should not continue for much longer. Câmara and Fornaroli appear to be the two names at the forefront of the contest, and Haas is now close to making the decision that will complete its 2027 driver pairing.
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