Kimi Antonelli is on track to be the reigning world champion when Rafa Camara joins the Formula 1 roster in 2027.

Haas have confirmed that Rafael Camara will join the team, taking Esteban Ocon’s race seat for the 2027 season.

It means that Kimi Antonelli and Rafa Camara will go head-to-head on track, just as they did three years ago in the Formula Regional European Championship as teammates.

Rafael Camara is a Haas F1 driver for the 2027 season 🚨 Give us your instant reaction!

How Rafa Camara fared vs Kimi Antonelli as teammates

There is huge excitement around Camara’s potential, including from those at Ferrari who will be keeping a close eye on their junior driver.

It has even been floated that Camara could be Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Ferrari if he thrives with Haas. There is a potential timeline where Camara and Antonelli could be fighting each other for race victories in F1, and it wouldn’t be the first time in their career that they have duelled for wins and championships.

Looking back to 2023, it was Antonelli who came out on top in the standings as he was crowned Formula Regional champion ahead of Rafa Camara in fifth.

Rafa Camara came out on top in ‘dogfight’ vs Kimi Antonelli

It’s important to note that it was Antonelli who came out on top and won the championship in 2023 with Prema Racing, but Camara proved he is worthy of battling the Italian on track.

Formula Regional commentator George Morgan looked back, via Instagram, at a battle between Camara and Antonelli in Monza.

Antonelli led the race, but a two-lap battle unfolded between the teammates and it was Camara who came out on top by completing a sensational overtake into turn 1.

The battle was described as a “dogfight” by Morgan, with both drivers going wheel-to-wheel on several occasions.

Ferrari can take confidence in Camara’s ability to battle Antonelli in equal machinery, although it was the Mercedes driver, and soon-to-be F1 champion, who ultimately had the last laugh.