Racing
© Jonathan Borba
Haas has turned its Portimão Testing of Previous Cars programme into a potential audition for Esteban Ocon’s 2027 seat, with Ferrari-backed Rafael Câmara, McLaren prospect Leonardo Fornaroli and Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa set to be evaluated.
The private running puts three manufacturer-supported candidates in front of Haas as it considers its future lineup. Ocon wants to extend his stay with the team, but his position is uncertain, while Oliver Bearman is expected to remain on loan from Ferrari for 2027.
Bearman will reportedly run at Portimão as Haas’s reference point rather than as a candidate for the opening. That gives the team an established benchmark against which to assess Câmara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa in the same machinery and conditions.
Câmara arrives with substantial Ferrari preparation behind him. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur told UOL that the manufacturer has invested beyond financial backing to ready the Brazilian Formula 2 driver for the opportunity.
“We are fully supporting Rafael,” Vasseur said. “It is not just a question of financial support. We have provided financial support, but this year we have also invested heavily in training with an older car.”
Vasseur said that work was intended to prepare Câmara for the Haas test and the following season, adding: “Our partner Haas is also trying to find the best way to get him into F1 next year.”
Fornaroli represents a strong alternative for Haas and McLaren. The McLaren reserve and development driver won the 2024 FIA Formula 3 title and followed it by taking the 2025 FIA Formula 2 championship, giving Haas a proven junior-category champion to compare directly with Câmara.
Hirakawa, Haas’s reserve driver, completes the contest. Backed by Toyota, Haas’s technical partner, the Japanese driver is also seeking a full-time Formula 1 opportunity.
With few 2027 seats expected to be available, Portimão gives Haas the chance to assess candidates supported by three major manufacturers before deciding its next move. A convincing showing would strengthen Câmara’s case, but it would not automatically secure him a race drive, with Haas also able to consider him for a test and reserve role.