RAFAEL CÂMARA EMERGES AS A CANDIDATE FOR CADILLAC’S 2027 FORMULA 1 SEAT
Rafael Câmara has become a name linked with Cadillac’s plans for the 2027 Formula 1 season, with the Brazilian driver now being considered as a possible option for one of the seats at the new American team.
Câmara was initially considered one of the favourites for a seat at Haas in 2027. However, his chances have become less clear in recent months, mainly due to Leonardo Fornaroli’s strong progress as a McLaren reserve driver and the support he has received from the British team to pursue a future Formula 1 opportunity. Ryo Hirakawa, the driver selected to do FP1s for Haas this season so far, is also a contender.
Hirakawa is a factory driver at Toyota, and with the Japanese brand investing milions of dollars into Haas, the World Endurance Championship driver for TGR is being considered at the American team.
Fornaroli meanwhile has impressed during his time with McLaren and is now seen as a strong candidate to replace Esteban Ocon at Haas, which could leave Câmara looking for another path into Formula 1.
The Brazilian’s first part of the 2026 Formula 2 season also made the situation more complicated. While he showed strong pace, his results were not at the level expected, causing him to lose ground in the championship fight and in the race for a Formula 1 seat.
However, Câmara’s recent performances have changed the perception around him. After a difficult start to the year, the Invicta Racing driver has recovered momentum, collecting four pole positions and two victories in Formula 2. His results in recent rounds have put him back into the title fight and have created a positive impression among teams in the paddock.
With his Haas chances becoming less certain, Câmara’s management has started exploring other possibilities. Representatives from his entourage have reportedly held conversations with Cadillac about a potential seat for the 2027 season, as the American team continues to evaluate its future driver line-up.
Cadillac has always considered having an American driver as part of its long-term project, making Colton Herta the team’s main candidate for a future race seat. Herta’s nationality, IndyCar experience and connection with the American motorsport market have made him an important part of Cadillac’s plans since the beginning of the project.
The Californian driver is currently competing in Formula 2 while working with Cadillac, with the goal of securing the FIA Super Licence points required to race in Formula 1. Drivers need at least 40 Super Licence points over a three-year period to qualify for an F1 seat.
Herta entered this season needing to close the final gap to 40 points. His move to Formula 2 was made partly to gain the additional points required, as well as Formula 1 Free Practice sessions with the team.
Because of this, Câmara, who is fighting for the Formula 2 title, has now become a possible alternative. While Cadillac would still prefer an American driver if the opportunity is right, the team could decide to prioritise performance if Herta is unable to secure the necessary results or Super Licence points.
The Brazilian still has work to do before securing a Formula 1 opportunity, but his recent improvement has put him back into the conversation.
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