Why one F1 test day decided a 2027 driver choice

Haas Formula 1 team has selected Ferrari junior Rafael Camara to replace Esteban Ocon in its 2027 driver line-up, following a decisive Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) shootout at Portimao in a 2025 Haas. Camara beat out competition including McLaren's Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and Toyota-backed F1 prospect Ryo Hirakawa to claim the multi-year deal. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu confirmed Camara was the 'crystal clear' choice, citing his performance as simply the quickest driver in the test.