The 2025 Formula 1 Season: A New Generation of Stars
The 2025 Formula 1 season is gearing up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, thanks in part to the arrival of six talented rookies who are set to shake up the grid. These young drivers bring fresh energy, raw talent, and a hunger to prove themselves on the world stage. With established names like Lewis Hamilton making high-profile moves, the addition of these rookies adds another layer of intrigue to an already unpredictable championship battle. Let’s dive into the stories of these six drivers and what makes their journeys to F1 so compelling.
Oliver Bearman: The Rising Star at Haas
Oliver Bearman, the 19-year-old British sensation, is one of the most talked-about rookies heading into the 2025 season. Bearman’s path to F1 was nothing short of meteoric. After joining the Ferrari Driver Academy at just 16, he quickly made a name for himself in the junior ranks, winning titles in Italian and German Formula 4. A standout performance in Formula 3, where he finished third, and a strong showing in Formula 2, where he claimed four victories, showcased his potential.
Bearman’s big break came in 2024 when he made his F1 debut for Ferrari, filling in for the injured Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Despite being just 18 at the time, he impressed everyone with a seventh-place finish. His performance not only earned him points but also a multi-year contract with Haas for the 2025 season. Bearman’s journey is a testament to his dedication and the support of his family, particularly his father, who has been a constant presence in his racing career. With Esteban Ocon as his teammate, Bearman will have a tough competition to measure himself against, but his talent and composure under pressure make him a driver to watch.
Liam Lawson: The Kiwi Taking on the Big Stage
Liam Lawson, the 23-year-old from New Zealand, brings a unique background to the grid. Unlike many of his European counterparts, Lawson’s journey to F1 was shaped by his early success in the Toyota Racing Series, which caught the attention of the Red Bull Junior Programme. After progressing through Formula 3 and Formula 2, he finally got his chance in F1 with AlphaTauri in 2023, replacing the struggling Nyck de Vries.
Lawson’s big break came in 2024 when Daniel Ricciardo’s injury handed him a five-race stint, during which he earned points in Singapore. His performances were enough to convince Red Bull to promote him to the top team, where he will partner Max Verstappen in 2025. Lawson’s journey is a story of perseverance and adaptability, qualities that will be crucial as he steps into one of the most competitive seats on the grid. With only 11 Grands Prix under his belt, he faces immense pressure, but his fearless driving style and determination make him a wildcard to keep an eye on.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli: The Young Prodigy at Mercedes
At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is one of the youngest drivers on the 2025 grid. The Italian prodigy has been making waves in the junior ranks since he was a teenager. After dominating karting championships, Antonelli joined the Mercedes junior programme at 13 and quickly rose through the ranks. His performances in Formula 4 and Formula Regional, where he became a champion in his rookie season, set him apart as a talent to watch.
Antonelli’s promotion to F1 came after a strong but inconsistent Formula 2 campaign, where he claimed victories at Silverstone and Budapest. These performances, coupled with the departure of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari, gave him the opportunity to step into one of the most prestigious seats in F1. Despite a challenging debut in F1 practice at Monza, where he crashed into George Russell’s car, Antonelli showed glimpses of his raw speed. With Mercedes’ backing and a reputation for being one of the most naturally talented drivers in the junior ranks, Antonelli has the potential to shine. However, the pressures of F1, particularly in a top team, will be a steep learning curve for the young Italian.
Jack Doohan: The Legacy Continues at Alpine
Jack Doohan, the 22-year-old Australian, arrives in F1 with a rich motorsport legacy. As the son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, Jack has been in the spotlight since his karting days. After progressing through Formula 3 and Formula 2, where he secured multiple victories and finished third in the F2 championship, Doohan earned his chance with Alpine.
Doohan’s journey to F1 wasn’t without its challenges. He initially struggled in his first Formula 3 campaign but bounced back to finish second in the championship the following year. His decision to leave the Red Bull Academy for the Alpine Academy in 2019 proved to be a turning point, as it gave him the opportunity to participate in F1 practice sessions and eventually secure a race seat. Doohan made his F1 debut in the final race of the 2024 season, replacing Esteban Ocon at Alpine. With the pressure of living up to his family’s legacy and the added scrutiny of being a rookie, Doohan will have to hit the ground running if he wants to secure his place in the team long-term.
Gabriel Bortoleto: The Brazilian Champion at Sauber
Gabriel Bortoleto, the 20-year-old Brazilian, enters F1 as one of the most highly rated rookies of the 2025 class. After a successful karting career, Bortoleto transitioned to cars in 2020, where he quickly made an impact. His breakthrough year came in 2023 when he became the F3 champion in his rookie season, earning him a place in the McLaren Driver Development Programme.
Bortoleto’s rise continued in Formula 2, where he claimed the title in his first year, becoming only the sixth driver to achieve this feat. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure were key factors in his championship success. Despite a challenging start to the season, Bortoleto’s runaway victory in Austria marked the beginning of a dominant run that saw him finish the season with multiple podiums and wins. Sauber, soon to be rebranded as Audi, wasted no time in signing him for the 2025 season, where he will partner Nico Hulkenberg. With his calm demeanor and technical ability, Bortoleto has the potential to be a standout performer in his rookie season.
Isack Hadjar: The Underdog at Racing Bulls
Isack Hadjar, the 20-year-old Frenchman, rounds out the list of F1’s 2025 rookies. Hadjar’s journey to the top has been far from straightforward. After starting out in karting, he worked his way up through Formula 4 and Formula 3, where he finished fourth in the championship. A mixed Formula 2 campaign in 2023, where he struggled to find consistency, left question marks over his readiness for F1.
Despite this, Hadjar’s performances in 2024, where he won four feature races and led the championship for much of the season, caught the attention of Red Bull. His promotion to the Racing Bulls team, where he will partner Yuki Tsunoda, came as a surprise to many. Hadjar’s journey is one of resilience and determination, qualities that will be crucial as he faces the challenges of F1. With a reputation for being one of the most passionate and fiery drivers on the grid, Hadjar is likely to make waves both on and off the track.
The Future of Formula 1 is Bright
The arrival of these six rookies adds a fresh dimension to the 2025 Formula 1 season. Each driver brings their own unique story, talent, and determination to the grid, ensuring that there will be no shortage of drama and excitement throughout the year. Whether it’s Bearman’s calm composure, Lawson’s fearless attitude, Antonelli’s raw speed, Doohan’s legacy, Bortoleto’s consistency, or Hadjar’s passion, there’s something for every F1 fan to get excited about.
As the lights go out for the first race of the season, all eyes will be on these young stars as they take their first steps in the pinnacle of motorsport. Their performances will not only shape their own careers but also the future of Formula 1. One thing is certain: the class of 2025 is ready to make its mark on the world stage.
