Photo via Crash.net

Haas boss reveals Toyota reaction to signing Ferrari junior for 2027

Haas F1 confirmed Rafael Camara will replace Esteban Ocon as the team’s driver for 2027, marking the Italian’s first step into Formula 1 after his dominant 2024 Formula 2 championship. The move follows Camara’s strong ties to Ferrari, which supplies Haas with its power units, though Toyota—Haas’s other key partner—had previously pushed for one of its young drivers to secure a seat.

Team principal Ayao Komatsu revealed Toyota’s reaction to the decision, emphasizing transparency in the selection process. During negotiations in late 2024, Komatsu met with Toyota Gazoo Racing boss Akio Toyoda to clarify that the chosen driver would be based solely on merit, not corporate influence.

Despite Toyota’s interest, Camara emerged as the fastest candidate after a competitive evaluation that included Ryo Hirakawa, among others. Toyoda reportedly accepted the decision, praising Haas’s professional approach to driver selection and confirming he never expected a seat without merit for his drivers.

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