Haas boss Komatsu says team intends to keep Oliver Bearman alongside rookie Rafael Camara for 2027

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has made clear that the team wants Oliver Bearman back for a third season in 2027, partnering newly signed rookie Rafael Camara. Speaking in interviews published on 16 and 17 October, Komatsu said it was Haas's intention to continue with the British driver and that an official announcement would follow once some remaining details are settled.

Bearman's seat not yet signed off

Haas confirmed Camara on 15 October as Esteban Ocon's replacement, but has yet to name his team-mate. Komatsu explained that the delay with Bearman is about timing and finalising certain details rather than any doubt over his place, though he declined to discuss contract specifics. He also acknowledged that the decision is not entirely in his hands.

Bearman is a Ferrari junior driver, and Ferrari, which supplies Haas with its power unit and other parts, has long been seen as having a say in his future. That makes the Haas line-up for next year a likely all-Ferrari academy pairing.

Komatsu's praise for Bearman

Komatsu described Bearman as ready to lead the team and singled out his drive at the Singapore Grand Prix as very impressive. He also praised the way Bearman kept the team motivated through a difficult spell in the middle of the season, when the car was struggling.

"It is our intention to continue with Ollie," Komatsu told PlanetF1.

Bearman made his F1 debut for Ferrari as a stand-in at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and stepped up to a full-time Haas seat in 2025. A standout result was fourth place at the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, a finish cited as an example of what he can do.

Why Camara got the other seat

Camara, a 21-year-old Brazilian, leads the Formula 2 championship and is the reigning FIA Formula 3 champion. He has signed a multi-year deal with Haas from 2027.

Komatsu said the decision came down to a shootout test in a previous-generation Haas car, in which Camara was evaluated against Toyota-backed Ryo Hirakawa, Jack Doohan and Leonardo Fornaroli. Camara came out on top, and Komatsu called him the clear choice.

The Toyota link mattered because Toyota Gazoo Racing is a Haas partner and the team now races under the TGR Haas name. Komatsu said he told Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda from the outset that the seat would go to the fastest driver, so nobody could suggest it had been bought, and that Toyoda was comfortable with the outcome when Hirakawa missed out.

What it means for 2027

If Bearman is confirmed as expected, Haas would pair a driver heading into his third full season with a rookie straight out of F2. Ocon, a Grand Prix winner, will leave the team at the end of 2026.

The next chance to see Bearman in action is the United States Grand Prix in Austin from 23 to 25 October, with the race in the early hours of Monday, 26 October, Malaysia time.

Key takeaways

• Ayao Komatsu says Haas intends to keep Oliver Bearman for 2027, with a formal announcement still to come.
• The delay is about timing and finalising details, not Bearman's performance, according to Komatsu.
• Rafael Camara, the F2 leader and reigning F3 champion, joins Haas on a multi-year deal to replace Esteban Ocon.
• Camara won the seat in a shootout test ahead of Ryo Hirakawa, Jack Doohan and Leonardo Fornaroli.

FAQ

Has Oliver Bearman signed for Haas for 2027? Not officially. Komatsu says the team intends to keep him and that an announcement will come once details are finalised.

Who will replace Esteban Ocon at Haas? Ferrari junior Rafael Camara, the 21-year-old Brazilian who leads the 2026 Formula 2 championship, on a multi-year contract from 2027.

Was Toyota unhappy that Ryo Hirakawa did not get the seat? Komatsu said Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda had accepted from the start that the fastest driver would be chosen and was fine with the result.

Sources: Formula1.com, PlanetF1, The Race, GRANDPRIX247, Roundtable Sports