Ferrari-backed Rafael Camara may be focused on his Formula 2 fight, but maintains that a Formula 1 promotion “would not be a bad thing if it happens.”
Camara’s reputation precedes him. The rookie has claimed coveted titles on the Feeder series ladder, whilst competing against current F1 drivers, namely, several intense battles with F1 championship leader, Kimi Antonelli.
Whilst there is no linear path for Camara, he insists his long-term F1 prospects will take care of themselves as long as the Brazilian continues to put in consistent performances in the series, aiming for yet another title.
“Yeah, for the moment, I don’t really know how it’s going, but it would not be a bad thing if it happens,” Camara told media, including Motorsport Week.
The Brazilian is instead concentrating on extracting the maximum from his current campaign, believing there is little value in becoming distracted by speculation surrounding his future.
“But yeah, like I said, just trying to focus on doing things well on my side,” he explained.
“There’s still a long way to go in the championship. I’m just trying to get a good championship that I’ll be happy with at the end of the season.
“And then for the future, we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
However, following a positive private test with Ferrari earlier this month, it is likely more opportunities could arise for the young driver.
“So yeah, it was a very nice experience being with Ferrari in the first test as well. It was a great moment, a lot of fun driving a F1 car…
So yeah, it was a good day, and I’m just looking forward to one of the next ones.”
Looking ahead to Barcelona
Despite the rumours surrounding Camara’s future, he has emphasised that his main goal is to perform well in the championship. Despite securing pole position in Monte Carlo, the Feature Race was disastrous. A lack of tyre grip following his pit-stop saw Camara retire prematurely from the race, dropping him from second to seventh in the championship standings.
Camara highlighted the positives in his difficulties this season. Believing that whilst heartbreaking to endure, they have taught him and the team valuable lessons for the crucial mid-point of the season.
“Yeah, the last two races weren’t ideal for us. But I think it was a lot of positives, and I think it doesn’t really change our approach for Barcelona,” Camara said.
“I think we just keep doing our things. I feel like every time we’re just getting stronger.”
The 21-year-old acknowledged some of the setbacks stemmed from mistakes on his side. However, he believes the experience gained will ultimately prove beneficial as the title fight develops.
“Also, with some stuff was a few mistakes on my side, but a lot of good experience for the future,” he explained.
“So just focus on our sides. Doing our things and eventually it will be some good results and for sure we’re going to be fighting out there.”
With a significant number of races left in the championship, Camara isn’t too worried about where he currently sits. Rather, he remains positive, and confident that he has enough time to recover lost ground.
“Still a very long way for the championship, so everything’s going to happen,” he added.
“But yeah, wasn’t the best weekend so far (Monaco). But a lot of positives and feel confident to start a good weekend here in Barcelona.”
With a 24-point deficit to Championship leader Nikola Tsolov, Camara arrives in Barcelona hoping to replicate the pace and performance of last season.
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