New Haas signing Camara indicates the driver number he'd like to use in 2027

Following the announcement that Rafael Camara will replace Esteban Ocon at Haas from next season, the Brazilian has shared the driver number he is hoping to use when he makes his Formula 1 debut in 2027.

It was recently revealed that Camara would be promoted from Formula 2 – in which he currently leads the standings by seven points over Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov – to race for Haas next season.

That gives him the opportunity to choose his driver number, and like plenty before him, the 21-year-old has opted for one that has a personal link, although it won’t be confirmed until the official entry list is published by the FIA.

“I think we'll be using the number 50,” Camara said. “The first option would be five, but obviously Gabi [Gabriel Bortoleto] is using that.

“It's 50 because basically my birthday is 05/05/2005. I spoke with my dad and then he said it's 50, it makes sense with the birthday date, so I'll be using that one for next year.”

Haas aren't strangers to running #50 on their cars, with reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa having used it during FP1 sessions whilst Camara’s likely team mate Ollie Bearman did the same for his substitute appearances in 2024.

Camara went up against Hirakawa for Ocon’s seat in a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) test at Portugal’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, where he impressed Team Principal Ayao Komatsu enough to be offered a full-time opportunity.

“It was a very intense two days,” he explained. “You knew that it was going to be important, the test, and you need to deliver in a way. You need to perform these two days with a new track, new car, and a new team.

“I just tried to learn everything and put it in place. There was also a huge amount of pressure, so I was really trying to focus, enjoy it, and make the most of the moment, and I think I was happy with the job I did in the end. I was happy with myself.

“I think I did the maximum I could, and whatever was the result, I was going to still be happy because it was the maximum I could [do]. I think when you’re yourself and you can do other things, you can do it. You can be pleased with that.

“I got a call from Ayao in Milan [about the seat], and then the first thing I said to him [was], ‘Are you sure?'. Obviously, I was very happy with that. Just super excited, and then I went to tell my parents – they also were staying – and I could tell them in person, [have a] good hug.

“I’m extremely happy, especially for my parents. There’s a lot of sacrifice on their side and making something that was a passion of a kid, and we are also not even from the motorsport world.

“We didn’t really know exactly what was the way to go to be here, so very proud of being here today, and I’m just enjoying the moment.”