Camara Reveals He Wants Number 50 on His Haas Car for 2027 F1 Debut

Camara Picks Number 50 for Rookie Season

Rafael Camara has settled on the driver number he wants to carry into his rookie Formula 1 campaign with Haas in 2027 — and it comes with a very personal touch.

Following the announcement that the Brazilian will replace Esteban Ocon at Haas from next season, the 21-year-old revealed he is hoping to race with the number 50 when he makes his grand prix debut.

"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."

As with all driver numbers, the choice will not be official until the FIA publishes its entry list.

A Number Haas Knows Well

The #50 would be familiar to Haas, who have already run it on their cars in recent seasons. Reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa used the number during FP1 sessions, while Camara's likely team mate Ollie Bearman did the same for his substitute appearances in 2024.

The Portimao Test That Sealed the Deal

Camara earned his promotion after going 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."

He added: "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."

The Call From Komatsu

The moment his F1 dream became reality arrived with a phone call from Komatsu while Camara was in Milan.

"I got a call from Ayao in Milan [about the seat], and then the first thing I said to him [was], 'Are you sure?'," Camara recalled. "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."

Leading the F2 Charge

Camara arrives in F1 with momentum behind him. He currently leads the Formula 2 standings by seven points over Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov, and his recent promotion from the series to a full Haas race seat was confirmed as part of a multi-year deal.

For now, the Brazilian is savouring a breakthrough that rewards years of family sacrifice — with the number 50 poised to follow him onto the grid.