F1 2026 – Last year’s rookies aim to make their mark
The current Formula 1 season features Arvid Lindblad as the only full rookie, driving for Racing Bulls. The 2007-born British driver has had an incredible start to his career, already fighting for strong positions in his very first race.
Last season, however, was memorable for the sheer number of rookies on the grid: Oliver Bearman, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto. Now, no longer considered “rookies,” these four young drivers must deliver top results if they want to remain in Formula 1.
The start of the 2026 season, looking at the Australian, Chinese, and Japanese Grands Prix, perfectly reflects this need. All four prodigies have begun their second seasons in the pinnacle of motorsport in exceptional fashion.
F1 2026 – The future has arrived: making way for young talent
After his victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Andrea Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lead the World Championship standings. The 2006-born Italian, in just his second F1 season, is putting pressure on the more experienced George Russell, despite many in the paddock not initially considering him a title contender. Mistakes are inevitable, particularly at race starts, but Antonelli’s speed and maturity are undeniable.
Like Antonelli, Bearman and Hadjar have also impressed at the start of this season. Haas’ Oliver Bearman, who survived a terrifying crash at the Suzuka Grand Prix, sits in the drivers’ standings as the top mid-field performer and, notably, ahead of both Red Bull drivers. His strong comeback in Australia and fifth-place finish in China were crucial if Ollie wants to secure a seat at Ferrari as soon as possible.
Isack Hadjar, Max Verstappen’s teammate, also began the season in excellent form. After nearly seven years, it seems he could be the first driver to break the “second Red Bull seat curse.” His qualifying performances in Australia and Japan finished ahead of Verstappen, showing impressive pace—especially in Melbourne—though technical issues prevented full results. The Paris-born driver is ready to take the reins of the Anglo-Austrian team.
Finally, Gabriel Bortoleto has also maximized his potential with an inexperienced Audi. In Australia, his first race with the Four Rings in F1, he scored points by finishing ninth. He then faced setup challenges in China but managed to qualify in the top ten at Suzuka, consistently ahead of his more experienced teammate.
F1 2026 – Colapinto and Lawson: the “pseudo-rookies”
Liam Lawson’s first full season with the same team was in 2025. Therefore, despite several appearances in 2023 and 2024, 2026 is also his second season in Formula 1. Driving for Racing Bulls, his start to the new championship has been solid, particularly in races. After three rounds, Lawson has collected 12 points, the same as Max Verstappen—a situation no one expected to see.
Franco Colapinto, driving for Alpine, replaced Jack Doohan last year six races into the season. Thus, 2026 is technically his first full F1 season. However, he cannot be considered a “rookie,” having participated in more than 15 races last year, always with Alpine.
The new regulations, despite the A526 being objectively competitive, have not suited Colapinto. After three race weekends, he has scored only one point in both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings.
Young drivers are increasingly taking center stage in Formula 1, which is positive for the future of the sport. Now, it is time for them to confirm their talent and kick off a definitive generational change in the championship.
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