Haas and Racing Bulls lead race for F1's 2027 rookie seats

With many drivers re-signing long contracts with their teams, openings in the 2027 Formula 1 driver market are expected to be rare. The most likely place for a new face to arrive, according to reports, is Haas, where Esteban Ocon's position looks shaky.

Two candidates in frame at Haas

The two main candidates for the seat are Italy's reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, part of McLaren's driver development programme, and Brazilian Rafael Camara, who sits second in this year's F2 standings and is a member of the Ferrari driver academy. Both have tested for Haas and are said to have impressed the team.

Haas will want a quick driver who also brings money, and it is not clear who the favourite is. Ryo Hirakawa, Haas' reserve driver and a long-time protege of the team's technical partner Toyota, is also in the picture but is considered a less likely candidate.

Red Bull weighing a Racing Bulls shuffle

Elsewhere, there is talk of Red Bull considering moving Bulgarian F2 championship leader Nikola Tsolov into their Racing Bulls team. To do so, they would have to drop either Liam Lawson or Arvid Lindblad — a decision that would open one of the most closely watched seats in the paddock.