Haas has concluded its most recent Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program featuring Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara, as discussions regarding its 2027 Formula 1 driver roster gain momentum.
As the 2027 F1 driver market intensifies following the conclusion of the summer break, Haas stands out as one of the few outfits to have already finalized its driver pairings for the upcoming campaign.
Although Oliver Bearman appears highly likely to keep his seat with the squad for 2027, speculation has shifted toward Esteban Ocon’s future, as Haas openly acknowledges its desire to explore all potential candidates.
The US-led outfit recently wrapped up a three-day TPC session at the Portimao circuit, featuring reserve driver Hirakawa on track alongside 2025 Formula 2 champion and McLaren development driver Fornaroli, as well as current F2 frontrunner and Ferrari academy prospect Camara. The trio logged mileage behind the wheel of the VF-25—Haas’s 2025-spec F1 machinery—at the Portuguese track between August 26 and 28.
This outing succeeds a comparable TPC event organized by Haas last month at Fuji Speedway, which provided track time to Toyota-supported racers Sho Tsuboi and Nirei Fukuzumi.
Though additional specifics regarding the Portimao TPC run remain undisclosed, the test was explicitly designated as a component of Haas’s broader strategy to analyze prospective drivers prior to settling on its 2027 driver roster.
Haas F1 Team Principal Ayao Komatsu
Credit: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
“I find it highly encouraging that other competitors are showing genuine interest in our project,” remarked Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu in the lead-up to last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.
“Currently, our performance level isn’t quite where we want it to be. We aren’t regularly competing for point finishes, but it is reassuring to see that others recognize our latent capability. Despite the limitations under which we operate as we strive to elevate this organization, we view the interest from other drivers as a major positive.”
Komatsu emphasized that his current priority remains short-term gains, specifically extracting maximum performance from the car and drivers throughout 2026, suggesting that Haas is prepared to exercise patience before finalizing its subsequent driver lineup.
Throughout its relatively brief tenure in Formula 1, Haas has frequently been among the final teams to confirm its driver roster for the upcoming campaign—making a comparable schedule quite plausible this time around, especially with fairly settled lineups across the rest of the paddock for 2027.
“There is no need for us to hurry,” Komatsu stated while at Zandvoort. “Our attention is fully dedicated to our current duo, Ollie and Esteban, as we try to optimize their performance. They face a demanding task, but we are well aware of their abilities.
“Ollie has proven himself on numerous occasions, and when Esteban feels comfortable with the machinery, his talent is undeniable. Consequently, our primary responsibility is to deliver the strongest possible package, optimize their car setups, and unlock their full potential. Both of our competitors are highly committed, so that remains our sole concentration for now.”
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