While the driver market at the top teams has cooled down, the battle in the midfield is heating up. Haas has yet to confirm its 2027 lineup, and the second seat is now a three-way fight between drivers with very different backgrounds.
Oliver Bearman's future looks almost certain, thanks to the engine supply deal with Ferrari. But Maranello is keen to promote another young talent from its academy. Rafael Camara has emerged as a strong candidate after winning F3 in his rookie season in 2025 and now challenging for the F2 title. After Budapest, he sits just 22 points behind leader Tsolov.
Camara's path, however, is not straightforward. Toyota, Haas's main technical partner, is backing Ryo Hirakawa, while McLaren also has an interest through Leonardo Fornaroli. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has repeatedly stated the decision lies solely with Haas, but these three names are the focus, unless there's a surprise like Esteban Ocon returning.
Komatsu insists the choice will be based purely on performance. So from August 26 to 28, all three were tested with the 2025 car at Portimao. Fornaroli already had a taste of the Haas at Jerez in June, Hirakawa has testing experience, while Camara got his first laps in a Haas.
Interestingly, Camara had just completed a test with the SF-25 at Mugello on Wednesday before flying to Portugal. He shared the car with Beganovic and Fuoco, then faced a new challenge at Portimao. This tour de force could be crucial for his F1 future.
Each driver brings a different story: Fornaroli has McLaren backing and an F3 title, Hirakawa brings endurance racing experience with Toyota, and Camara has full Ferrari support. Whoever impresses most at Portimao will have a strong case to secure the Haas seat.
Baca Juga
Imola kandidat kuat gantikan Qatar sebagai tuan rumah final F1 2026. Dukungan ACI dan investasi sirkuit menguatkan peluang balapan penutup musim di Italia.
James Vowles mengungkap Williams punya banyak proyek perbaikan untuk mengatasi kesalahan pengembangan musim dingin yang masih membebani performa tim di 2026.
Aston Martin memperingatkan bakal menghadapi balapan lebih sulit di Monza dan Baku meski sukses finis poin di Zandvoort. Mike Krack soroti keterbatasan power unit.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!