As pre-season testing for the 2025 F1 season has concluded and the first race draws near, eyes are on the rookie class making their debut in motorsport’s top category. During a press conference on the third day of testing, Kimi Antonelli, Ollie Bearman, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto shared their thoughts on competing alongside one another and their journey to F1.
Each of these drivers comes from an impressive background in junior formula racing, and their promotion signals a strong new generation of talent in the sport.
Kimi Antonelli — stepping up with Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli, a highly rated Mercedes junior driver, will be making his F1 debut with the Silver Arrows. The Italian driver rose through the junior ranks with multiple championships in karting and Formula Regional before competing in Formula 2. His rapid progression has positioned him as one of the most anticipated rookies on the grid.
Reflecting on sharing the grid with his fellow rookies, Antonelli said, “It feels great. Gabriel, I’ve known him since karting. So it’s nice that we’ve been coming up the ladder pretty much together.”
He also acknowledged his time with Bearman and Hadjar in Formula 2, saying, “It’s nice that we all got the opportunity, and it’s really nice that we are all sharing the F1 track together.”
Antonelli enters F1 with high expectations, especially given his strong performances in junior categories.
Gabriel Bortoleto — an impressive resume
Gabriel Bortoleto joins Kick Sauber after an impressive junior career with McLaren, including winning the 2023 Formula 3 championship and 2024 Formula 2 championship. The Brazilian further developed his skills in Formula 2 before earning his place on the F1 grid.
Bortoleto echoed Antonelli’s sentiment, highlighting the significance of this rookie class: “It’s cool to see young drivers getting into Formula 1 now. For some years, there was always one or two coming in, but finally, a year where a lot of us managed to get the opportunity.”
He emphasized that each of the rookies had earned their place through strong performances in junior categories and testing.
Isack Hadjar making his mark with Red Bull
French driver Isack Hadjar will be driving for Red Bull’s junior team, VCARB, after a solid progression through Formula 3 and Formula 2. Hadjar has long been a part of Red Bull’s driver academy and now has his chance to prove himself in F1 machinery.
Hadjar spoke about the strength of this rookie class, saying, “It just shows we have a strong generation, obviously. And it’s good to race guys I know already, so it’s a bit more familiar once we get to it on track.”
With Red Bull known for its rigorous approach to young driver development, Hadjar will be eager to prove he belongs on the F1 grid.
Ollie Bearman – a “rookie” with Haas
Ollie Bearman, a Ferrari junior driver, will be racing for Haas in 2025 after an impressive career in junior formulas. While he made his F1 debut in 2024 as a stand-in for Ferrari, he will now contest his first full season in the sport.
Although not classified as a rookie under F1’s technical definition, Bearman still feels a sense of camaraderie with the other newcomers.
“At the start, I was the only rookie for a while. And then the others got announced, which was a nice feeling. We’re all going through the same experiences—new tracks for us this year and stuff like that. So it’s nice not to be alone on that side of things.”
Looking ahead
With all four drivers eager to prove themselves, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting one. Each will face unique challenges as they adapt to the speed and complexity of F1, but their shared experiences in junior categories may help them as they take on their first full season at the highest level. They are also joined by rookie Jack Doohan and Liam Lawson, who will be driving his first full season.
The true test will come when the lights go out at the first race of the season, but for now, the rookies are embracing the challenge ahead.
