Haas increasingly seem to know who they prefer between McLaren and Ferrari juniors for 2027

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McLaren and Ferrari are battling to get their respective juniors, Leonardo Fornaroli and Rafael Camara, a seat with Haas in 2027, and it looks like the former is in the better position.

With Ollie Bearman set to stay with the American outfit next year, Esteban Ocon is likely to leave Haas at the end of 2026. The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season, and he is looking set to drop off the grid in 2027.

Multiple drivers are fighting for the seat, and Fornaroli and Camara are in contention. McLaren and Ferrari are both pushing Haas to sign their drivers, and it seems that the former is in a better position.

Does Esteban Ocon deserve a seat on the F1 grid in 2027?

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Rafael Camara likely to become Haas’ reserve driver in 2027

Fornaroli recently conducted a private test with Haas at Jerez, with McLaren being willing to loan the Italian to the team. Meanwhile, Camara is battling for the F2 title, currently sitting 36 points behind championship leader Nikola Tsolov.

The Brazilian is looking to land a seat on the grid in 2027, but it looks like the Ferrari junior will have to wait longer for his chance.

READ MORE: All to know about Haas F1 Team from team principal to Ferrari and Toyota ties

According to a report from UOL, Camara is ‘most likely’ to take a reserve driver role next season. He would be in the prime position to land a full-time seat if Bearman were to move up to Ferrari in 2028.

Reportedly, Haas have an agreement in principle with Fornaroli for 2027. The Italian is set to get his shot in F1 after being forced to sit on the sidelines in 2026.

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Ayao Komatsu says Haas will not decide their 2027 driver line-up based on nationality

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu said at the Belgian GP that the team will not decide their drivers based on their passports. He has made this clear with main backers Toyota, with Ryo Hirakawa also being an option for the team.

Asked if nationality comes into their decision-making, Komatsu said: “Not for me. I was absolutely clear from day one with Akio-san [from Toyota], because I didn’t want any misunderstandings with him.

“If we choose a driver because of their nationality, that, in my opinion, undermines the credibility of everyone involved in the decision, including the driver himself.

“Even if the driver is competent, if the general perception is that he’s only here because of Toyota, because of the money, that’s not right. It doesn’t benefit Toyota, Akio-san, the team principal or the driver.

“From day one, I was absolutely clear with Akio-san: we choose the driver based on performance, 100 per cent.”