Meet the Rookies: What to expect from F1's class of 2025

Dominika Jordan
Feb 6, 2025, 01:32 PM ET

In 2025, nearly a third of the Formula 1 grid will feature rookies, with six drivers making their full-season debuts this year. Of these rookies, three have prior grand prix starts to their name; however, none have begun a season as an official race driver for an F1 team, including Red Bull's Liam Lawson.

The 2025 season promises to be thrilling with these talented newcomers, each facing unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s what to expect from each of them:

Andrea Kimi Antonelli | 18 | Mercedes

Race number: 12

Racing record:

2024: Formula 2, finished sixth (two wins)

2023: FRECA champion (nine wins)

2022: German and Italian F4 champion

Andrea Kimi Antonelli steps into the spotlight as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement at Mercedes. The Italian teenager has accumulated over 5,500 miles in private testing with Mercedes, where his raw pace quickly became apparent. Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal, expressed his confidence in Antonelli, highlighting a wet F3 test at Silverstone where Antonelli was four seconds faster than the next-best driver.

Despite his undeniable talent, questions remain about his consistency. Antonelli’s first practice drive in George Russell’s W15 last year ended in crash barriers at the Parabolica after an impressive first lap. Wolff prefers a fast driver who crashes over a slow driver who keeps out of trouble, but a clean start will still be key for Antonelli.

Oliver Bearman | 19 | Haas

Race number: 87

Racing record:

2024: Formula 1, finished 18th from three starts (7 points); Formula 2, finished 12th (three wins)

2023: Formula 2, finished 6th (four wins)

2022: Formula 3, finished 3rd (one win)

2021: Italian and German F4 champion

Oliver Bearman brings F1 race experience to his first full season. Last year, he substituted for Carlos Sainz at Saudi Arabia and Kevin Magnussen at Azerbaijan and Brazil, scoring points and impressing Ferrari and Haas with his performance. Despite his disrupted F2 campaign, Bearman’s talent is evident. His ties with Ferrari suggest a promising career trajectory, and Haas provides an ideal environment for his development.

Gabriel Bortoleto | 20 | Sauber

Race number: 5

Racing record:

2024: Formula 2 champion (two wins)

2023: Formula 3 champion (two wins)

2022: FRECA, finished 6th (two wins)

Gabriel Bortoleto joins F1 as the reigning Formula 2 champion, a title he secured in his first attempt, echoing the successes of George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Charles Leclerc. Known for his consistency, Bortoleto faces the challenge of reviving Sauber, a team in transition heading towards its rebranding as Audi in 2026. With team boss Mattia Binotto's support, Bortoleto is poised to make his mark.

Jack Doohan | 22 | Alpine

Race number: 7

Racing record:

2024: Alpine reserve driver (raced Abu Dhabi GP)

2023: Formula 2, finished 3rd (three wins)

2022: Formula 2, finished 6th (three wins)

2021: Formula 3, finished 2nd (four wins)

Jack Doohan, son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, finally steps into an F1 race seat after serving as Alpine’s reserve driver. His path to F1 seemed clear after strong private tests and a grand prix debut at Abu Dhabi in 2024. However, with Franco Colapinto signed on a multi-year contract by Alpine, Doohan faces tremendous pressure and no margin for error to secure his position.

Isack Hadjar | 20 | Racing Bulls

Race number: 6

Racing record:

2024: Formula 2 runner-up (four wins)

2023: Formula 2, finished 14th

2022: Formula 3, finished 4th (three wins)

2021: FRECA, finished 5th (two wins)

Isack Hadjar earned his promotion to Racing Bulls following a strong F2 season, despite a late-season slump and some radio outbursts. As the next Red Bull junior in line, Hadjar was the logical choice to fill the gap left by Liam Lawson’s promotion. Quick and talented, Hadjar’s temperament and late-season performance will need refinement for his F1 transition.

Liam Lawson | 22 | Red Bull

Race number: 30

Racing record:

2024: Formula 1, finished 21st from six starts (4 points)

2023: Formula 1, finished 20th from five starts (2 points); Japanese Super Formula, finished 2nd (three wins)

2022: Formula 2, finished 3rd (four wins)

2021: Formula 2, finished 9th (one win)

2020: Formula 3, finished 5th (three wins)

2019: Formula 3, finished 11th

Liam Lawson has 11 grand prix appearances, but 2025 marks his first full season with a guaranteed seat. The New Zealander faces the formidable task of being Max Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull. Lawson’s aggressive racing style and no-nonsense approach have made him a promising prospect. With Red Bull keen to see Lawson succeed, he has a real chance to make a lasting impact in F1.

Formula 1's Class of 2025 brings a blend of raw talent, promising futures, and significant challenges. Fans and teams alike will be keenly watching how these rookies adapt and thrive on the world's biggest racing stage.