Emerging Rookie Drivers To Watch In The 2025 Formula 1 Season

The 2025 Formula 1 season is going to be a show of young talents, as it introduces six full-time debutant drivers. That is the most since the rookie class of 2010. In comes fresh blood, carrying with it youthful energy and plenty of possibilities. Now, let’s check out who the newbies are and what expectations are being laid on these blossoming talents during their inaugural F1 seasons.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes

Perhaps the most hyped rookie entering F1 in 2025 is 18-year-old Italian prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will partner George Russell at Mercedes. Antonelli’s meteoric rise through the junior ranks has drawn comparisons to Max Verstappen, as he skipped Formula 3 entirely to jump straight from Formula Regional to Formula 2 in 20247.

Despite his young age and relative lack of experience, Antonelli impressed in his rookie F2 season, securing multiple race wins on his way to a 6th place championship finish. His raw speed and racecraft were on full display, particularly in wet conditions. At Silverstone, Antonelli claimed a dominant maiden F2 victory in treacherous conditions, showcasing supreme car control as he built an 8-second lead.

Antonelli’s promotion to F1 with Mercedes is a massive vote of confidence from the team. He’ll be the first rookie to race for Mercedes since Lewis Hamilton in 2007. The pressure will be immense as he steps into the seat vacated by the 7-time world champion, but Antonelli has consistently risen to challenges throughout his career.

One area of concern is Antonelli’s tendency for overzealous moves, as evidenced by his spectacular 45G crash during FP1 at Monza. However, Mercedes engineers were actually encouraged by the telemetry data from that session, which showed Antonelli’s “astonishing speed” through key corners. If he can harness that natural pace while reining in his aggression, Antonelli could be a real threat for podiums in his rookie season.

Liam Lawson – Red Bull

New Zealand’s Liam Lawson gets his long-awaited shot at a full-time F1 drive, partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull. While technically classified as a rookie, Lawson actually has the most F1 experience of the 2025 newcomers, having made 11 grand prix starts as a substitute driver in 2023 and 2024.

That experience should serve Lawson well as he steps into one of the most pressure-packed seats on the grid. Red Bull has cycled through several drivers alongside Verstappen in recent years, with none able to consistently match the Dutchman’s pace. However, Lawson impressed during his substitute appearances, even scoring points in his debut at Zandvoort in 2023.

Lawson’s junior career was marked by steady progression rather than domination. He finished 3rd in F3 and 3rd in F2, showing his ability to adapt quickly to new machinery. His experience in Japan’s ultra-competitive Super Formula series should also prove valuable, as the cars produce similar levels of downforce to F1.

While matching Verstappen will be an enormous challenge, Lawson has the talent and temperament to establish himself as a solid number two driver for Red Bull. His familiarity with the team’s operations and simulator work over the past few years should help ease his transition. If he can consistently score points and occasionally challenge for podiums, Lawson could cement his place in F1 for years to come.

Gabriel Bortoleto – Sauber

Brazilian sensation Gabriel Bortoleto arrives in F1 on the back of a remarkable 2024 season that saw him clinch the Formula 2 championship in dramatic fashion. Bortoleto’s title-winning campaign was highlighted by four victories, including an astonishing drive from last to first in the Monza feature race.

That Monza performance in particular caught the attention of F1 team bosses. Starting from the pit lane, Bortoleto masterfully carved through the field, making decisive overtakes and managing his tires to perfection. It was the type of drive that separates future champions from the rest of the pack.

At just 20 years old, Bortoleto has drawn comparisons to Brazilian F1 legends of the past. He’ll look to follow in the footsteps of countrymen like Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet as he begins his F1 journey with Sauber. The Swiss team, soon to become Audi’s works outfit, clearly has faith in Bortoleto’s potential, signing him to a multi-year deal.

Partnered with the experienced Nico Hulkenberg, Bortoleto will have a great benchmark to measure himself against. His smooth driving style and tire management skills should translate well to F1. If Sauber can provide a competitive car, don’t be surprised to see Bortoleto fighting for points and even podiums in his rookie campaign.

Isack Hadjar – Racing Bulls

French-Algerian driver Isack Hadjar gets his F1 break with Racing Bulls after a rollercoaster journey through the Red Bull junior program. Hadjar’s path to F1 wasn’t always smooth sailing, but a strong 2024 F2 season where he challenged Bortoleto for the title ultimately earned him the call-up27.

Hadjar’s 2024 campaign was marked by brilliant highs and frustrating lows. He claimed four feature race victories—more than any other driver—showcasing his raw speed and racecraft. However, inconsistency and some costly errors, including a stall from pole in the Abu Dhabi finale, ultimately cost him the championship2744.

At Racing Bulls, Hadjar will partner the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda. It’s a pairing that could produce some fireworks, as both drivers are known for their aggressive style and occasional hotheadedness. Hadjar will need to quickly adapt to the increased scrutiny of F1 and learn to channel his emotions productively.

One of Hadjar’s strengths is his ability to extract maximum performance in qualifying. He claimed pole position multiple times in F2 and will look to translate that one-lap pace to F1. If he can consistently out-qualify Tsunoda, it could put pressure on the Japanese driver and create interesting dynamics within the team.

Oliver Bearman – Haas

British youngster Oliver Bearman makes the step up to F1 with Haas after an impressive junior career that included the 2021 Italian F4 and ADAC F4 titles. Bearman actually already has F1 race experience under his belt, having made a shock debut for Ferrari as a last-minute substitute for Carlos Sainz at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix47.

That debut performance turned heads throughout the paddock. Despite minimal preparation time, Bearman qualified a respectable 11th and drove a mature race to finish 7th, ahead of 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. It was the type of composed drive that suggested Bearman has the mental fortitude to succeed in F147.

Bearman’s 2024 F2 campaign was somewhat disappointing by his lofty standards, as he finished 12th in the standings. However, he showed flashes of brilliance, including three race wins. His ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude impressed Haas enough to sign him for 202523.

Partnered with the experienced Esteban Ocon at Haas, Bearman will have a great opportunity to learn and develop. The American team has struggled in recent years, but new technical leadership could see them moving up the grid. Bearman’s feedback and development skills will be crucial as Haas looks to return to the midfield battle.

Jack Doohan – Alpine

Rounding out the 2025 rookie class is Australian Jack Doohan, who steps up to a race seat with Alpine after serving as the team’s reserve driver in 2024. Son of motorcycle racing legend Mick Doohan, Jack has forged his own path in four-wheeled motorsport with impressive results.

Doohan finished 3rd in the 2024 F2 championship, claiming three victories, including back-to-back feature race wins in Hungary and Belgium. His aggressive driving style and overtaking prowess make him an exciting prospect to watch in F136.

Alpine’s decision to promote Doohan shows faith in their junior program and a willingness to give young talent a chance. Partnered with the experienced Pierre Gasly, Doohan will have a solid benchmark to measure himself against. The Australian’s familiarity with the team from his reserve driver duties should help ease his transition to a full-time race seat.

One area where Doohan particularly excels is qualifying. He consistently out-qualified his teammates in junior categories and will look to bring that one-lap pace to F1. If he can regularly start near the front of the midfield pack, it could set him up for strong points finishes.

Expectations and Challenges

While this class of rookies is immensely talented and full of potential, expectations should be tempered. The leap from F2 to F1 is a big one, and even the most talented youngsters often need time to adapt to the increased complexity and pressure of the top level.

The challenges for these rookies will be physical fitness, mental resilience, and mastering the complex F1 machinery. It is in managing those expectations and sustaining confidence through the inevitable setbacks that their long-term success will lie.

Conclusion

The 2025 F1 season is looking to be just the showcase for an emergence of stars. With a grid that adds six highly vaunted rookies, we are staring at a sea change as finally, the new generation of stars starts to find its feet.

While the wise thing is to keep expectations low for these youngsters during their first seasons, the promise is undeniable: We could very well be watching the next world champions emerge. When the lights go out signaling the first race of 2025, eyes will no doubt be trained on the rookies seeking to stamp their mark on the pinnacle of motorsport.