Brazilian Rafael Camara will join the US-based Haas team for his debut Formula 1 season in 2027.
The 21-year-old, who is leading the Formula 2 championship, has been chosen after a selection process including a total of four drivers.
Camara was picked over the reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Haas reserve drivers Jack Doohan and Ryo Hirakawa after they were assessed in tests in previous years’ F1 cars.
Camara, Fornaroli and Hirakawa were all assessed at a test at Portugal’s Portimao track in August, Doohan separately.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said that Camara had been the quickest driver at the tests.
“I always said we would choose driver by performance. He showed incredible speed. That was the fully overriding factor above everything else,” Komatsu said.
“In Portimao, he was just simply outstanding. We really wanted to go for someone who had that natural speed.
“He showed that he could handle himself very well with not a huge amount of time to learn the car. He showed us more than just raw speed.”
Komatsu added that all the drivers tested came with financial backing, adding: “But it was clear he was the quickest guy, so we took him purely based on that.”
Haas have not said who will race their other car next season, but it is considered only a matter of time before Briton Oliver Bearman is confirmed in the seat for a third season.
Komatsu said: “It is our intention to continue with Ollie. It is just a matter of timing and finalising certain details.”
Bearman and Camara are both members of the Ferrari driver academy.
Frenchman Esteban Ocon will leave the team at the end of the year after two seasons alongside Bearman, Haas confirmed at the end of last month.
Camara said: “It’s an important step in my career and I want to thank (owner) Gene Haas and Ayao Komatsu for the trust they have placed in me.
“Now my focus is on preparing myself in the best possible way for this new challenge.
“There will be a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver.”
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