Fernando Alonso has claimed that Gabriel Bortoleto will be the best Formula 1 rookie next year, as three confirmed rookies will race next to the new Formula 2 champion.
Rookies in 2025
Next year, four rookies will have their full-season debut in Formula 1. Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s debut at Mercedes is the most anticipated one, as he replaces seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The Briton has driven his last race for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi last weekend, before his switch to Ferrari.
Oliver Bearman, who has three F1 races under his belt already, has joined Haas and will partner former Alpine driver Esteban Ocon. The 19-year-old debuted at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia, replacing Carlos Sainz who was diagnosed with appendicitis. The GP at Baku, and the one in Brazil with Haas followed.
The third rookie would be Jack Doohan for Alpine. The Australian replaced Ocon at Abu Dhabi, as the Frenchman was released early to prepare for his switch to Haas. Doohan was already confirmed for the 2025 Alpine seat next to Pierre Gasly.
And finally, Gabriel Bortoleto. The F2 champion has been confirmed to race for Sauber in 2025 right after the São Paulo GP.
Bortoleto the best of the bunch, says Alonso
According to Fernando Alonso, whose A14 Management company runs the Brazilian’s career, all the other rookies don’t come close to Bortoleto.
“He’s the best,” the 2005 and 2006 F1 world champion said after the Abu Dhabi GP, before highlighting Bortoleto’s credentials: “He was, in his rookie season in F3, champion. He was, in his rookie season in F2, champion.
“I know there are a lot of talks about the young generation – a lot of rookies also next year, very talented all of them, but the best is Gabriel. He showed it on track with the same cars.
“Obviously next year he will maybe not have the same car as some of the rookies, but I hope people do not forget that he’s better than them. He was and he will [be].”
Bortoleto only took two wins across the F2 season, but has shown consistency throughout. That ultimately led to the title, as his rivals, including championship rival Isack Hadjar, were less consistent. The 20-year-old finished 21 of 22 races in the top 10, including the last seven in the top 5.
Hadjar’s title chances were eliminated when going into the feature race, as he made a clutch mistake at the start. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the French driver could possibly end up racing in Formula 1 next year too.
Sergio Perez future at Red Bull Racing seems to be decided, with the Mexican set to leave. It’s not confirmed yet, but an announcement is expected to come this week. Liam Lawson would be promoted, while Hadjar would end up in the vacant RB seat next to Yuki Tsunoda.
