Following the announcement that Rafael Camara will change Esteban Ocon at Haas from subsequent season, the Brazilian has shared the motive force quantity he’s hoping to make use of when he makes his Components 1 debut in 2027.
It was just lately revealed that Camara could be promoted from Components 2 – wherein he presently leads the standings by seven factors over Purple Bull junior Nikola Tsolov – to race for Haas subsequent season.
That provides him the chance to decide on his driver quantity, and like lots earlier than him, the 21-year-old has opted for one which has a private hyperlink, though it received’t be confirmed till the official entry record is printed by the FIA.
“I believe we’ll be utilizing the quantity 50,” Camara stated. “The primary choice could be 5, however clearly Gabi [Gabriel Bortoleto] is utilizing that.
“It is 50 as a result of mainly my birthday is 05/05/2005. I spoke with my dad after which he stated it is 50, it is smart with the birthday date, so I will be utilizing that one for subsequent 12 months.”
Haas aren’t strangers to operating #50 on their automobiles, with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa having used it throughout FP1 classes while Camara’s possible workforce mate Ollie Bearman did the identical for his substitute appearances in 2024.
Camara went up in opposition to Hirakawa for Ocon’s seat in a Testing of Earlier Vehicles (TPC) take a look at at Portugal’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, the place he impressed Group Principal Ayao Komatsu sufficient to be supplied a full-time alternative.
“It was a really intense two days,” he defined. “You knew that it was going to be essential, the take a look at, and you’ll want to ship in a method. It’s essential to carry out these two days with a brand new observe, new automotive, and a brand new workforce.
“I simply tried to be taught the whole lot and put it in place. There was additionally an enormous quantity of stress, so I used to be actually attempting to focus, take pleasure in it, and benefit from the second, and I believe I used to be pleased with the job I did in the long run. I used to be pleased with myself.
“I believe I did the utmost I might, and no matter was the outcome, I used to be going to nonetheless be blissful as a result of it was the utmost I might [do]. I believe if you’re your self and you are able to do different issues, you are able to do it. You could be happy with that.
“I acquired a name from Ayao in Milan [about the seat], after which the very first thing I stated to him [was], ‘Are you certain?’. Clearly, I used to be very pleased with that. Simply tremendous excited, after which I went to inform my dad and mom – additionally they have been staying – and I might inform them in particular person, [have a] good hug.
“I’m extraordinarily blissful, particularly for my dad and mom. There’s lots of sacrifice on their aspect and making one thing that was a ardour of a child, and we’re additionally not even from the motorsport world.
“We didn’t actually know precisely what was the way in which to go to be right here, so very happy with being right here at present, and I’m simply having fun with the second.”
