LONDON - Ollie Bearman is ready to step up as leader on the track at Haas next season, the US-owned team’s principal Ayao Komatsu said on Oct 15.

He was speaking to reporters after Haas announced Brazilian rookie Rafael Camara as Esteban Ocon’s replacement on a multi-year deal from 2027.

Frenchman Ocon, a past race winner with Renault-owned Alpine, is leaving at the end of the season and while Bearman has yet to be confirmed, the Ferrari-backed Briton looks sure to stay.

“I cannot go into certain contractual details but of course I’d like to continue with Ollie,” said Komatsu.

“He’s an incredible talent and he’s shown amazing growth. This year he’s shown that he’s ready to be a team leader”.

Bearman, 21, has scored 23 of Haas’s 30 points so far from 17 rounds this season.

In Singapore last weekend, the Briton finished sixth in the sprint race on Oct 10 after starting 13th, on a track where overtaking is extremely difficult. There were nine retirements.

“It’s just a matter of timing,” Komatsu said of Bearman’s contract extension. “It’s just a matter of finalising certain details. But it is our intention to continue with Ollie. The formal announcement will come in due course.”

The next race is a home one for Haas, the US Grand Prix at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas in Texas next week.

Camara replaces Frenchman Esteban Ocon, whose departure was announced in September, at the Ferrari-powered team.

The 21-year-old, who has signed a multi-year deal, will be the second Brazilian on the starting grid, with Gabriel Bortoleto already racing for Audi.

The Ferrari Academy driver leads the Formula 2 standings with two rounds remaining, after winning the F3 title in 2026.

“I’m really excited to sign such a young, amazing talent,” said Komatsu in a statement.

“I don’t need to tell everyone about his achievements in the junior formulas, it’s been very impressive, and in his rookie season in Formula 2, the speed he’s shown in some very difficult moments, like qualifying in Monaco and Montreal – that all goes to show the potential Rafa has.”

Camara tested 2026’s VF-25 car at the Algarve circuit in Portimao in August. He has also tested with Ferrari.

The Brazilian, who leads Red Bull-backed Bulgarian Nikola Tsolov by seven points in the F2 standings, said it was an important step in his career and his focus would now be on preparing himself for the challenge.

“There will be a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the team, understanding the car and continuing to develop as a driver,” he said.

Haas are seventh of 11 teams ahead of the US Grand Prix. REUTERS