Double Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi has welcomed Rafael Camara’s arrival in the top flight with Haas F1 Team for 2027, while backing Gabriel Bortoleto to become a great Brazilian driver if given a competitive car.The 1972 and 1974 F1 World Champion expressed his pride in Brazil’s motorsport heritage, recalling how he, his brother Wilson Fittipaldi and Carlos Pace helped ignite the country’s passion for Grand Prix racing.
Mortorsport living legend Fittipaldi said: “It wasn’t just me; it was myself, my brother Wilson, and Carlos Pace. The three of us created a passion for Formula 1 in Brazil. Football is always huge in Brazil, but suddenly motorsport was too. I am very proud to see all the great Brazilian champions who followed. Nelson, Ayrton, Filipe Massa.
“I am proud that we managed to open a door for others to follow,” added the Brazilian 79-year-old, who believes that pioneering generation established a foundation upon which Nelson Piquet, Ayrton Senna and subsequent Brazilian racers built their careers.
Reflecting on Brazil’s enduring influence in F1, Fittipaldi recounted a joke about the tenacious ‘Boys from Brazil’ his arch rival Jackie Stewart would tell. Emmo also expressing delight at Camara’s graduation from Formula 2.
Another BB… Bloody Brazilian!
Fittipaldi recalled: “Jackie Stewart used to joke, ‘Here’s another BB – another bloody Brazilian!’ I am very happy to see Gabriel Bortoleto doing well. And Rafel Camara is coming too from F2. I thank God for the legacy we started. I am very happy. My son also has the dream to be in F1 and I think that dream can come true.”
Ferrari-backed Camara, the 2025 Formula 3 Champion, currently leads the 2026 Formula 2 standings and has secured a multi-year agreement with Haas F1 Team, strengthening Brazil’s representation in the sport.
Meanwhile, Fittipaldi sees considerable promise in Bortoleto, particularly his performances against experienced Audi teammate Nico Hülkenberg, whom he believes deserves greater recognition.
Fittipaldi explained: “Gabriel Bortoleto has the potential for sure. He just needs a competitive car and team to have a chance to win. Nico Hülkenberg is his teammate; Nico is an extremely fast, talented driver who is sometimes underestimated. Bortoleto is showing that he is right there with him.”
For Fittipaldi, seeing another generation of Brazilians making their mark in Formula 1 is both a source of national pride and a continuation of his family’s racing legacy. (Source: Betway)