We are only at the second race of the 24-race season. While it is still too early to make a definitive judgment, how can we evaluate the rookies’ start to the season?
Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan, Oliver Bearman, and Liam Lawson: these are the rookies and the new faces of F1. Six young drivers who must roll up their sleeves and quickly mature, proving they deserve to be in the top category. While the last two have already raced in F1 before, this is the first time they are starting a season as full-time drivers rather than substitutes. With only two races completed, what analysis can we make about the new generation’s start to the season?
Let’s analyze Antonelli, Hadjar, and Bortoleto, three drivers who came from F2 last season.
Kimi Antonelli
The Italian driver probably has the best car among the rookies, which is why many fans and experts expect him to consistently fight at the front. Despite an unlucky start to the season, with floor damage suffered in qualifying in Australia and in the race in China, Kimi has not given up. With a fourth and a sixth-place finish and 20 points in the standings, the 18-year-old is gradually gaining more confidence with his car. Moreover, unlike some of his colleagues, Kimi is in the right place. Toto Wolff has always recognized his exceptional talent but does not want to put pressure on him: the priority is to learn and improve, and so far, it seems he is doing just that.
Isack Hadjar
The French driver, born in 2004, was involved in a great battle with Bortoleto in F2 in 2024. Now, as Racing Bulls’ new driver, he has already experienced ups and downs: impressive in both qualifying sessions, securing 11th place in Australia and 7th in China, but less effective in the races. On his debut, during the formation lap, he lost control of his car and was forced to retire. The mistake, although serious, is understandable for a rookie, but the tears were inevitable, and no one could console him—not even Anthony Hamilton, father of the Ferrari driver. However, Hadjar felt the support he received and bounced back. His qualifying in China was outstanding, even though he finished just outside the top 10 in the race. The talent is there, but he must ignore all the negative voices, especially those from Helmut Marko.
Gabriel Bortoleto
A rookie champion in both F3 and F2, Gabriel Bortoleto is undoubtedly one of the most promising young talents. The Stake Sauber driver arrived in Australia in great form: despite having one of the least competitive cars, he managed to reach Q2 with the 15th fastest time. However, the race was not as positive. The Brazilian crashed into the barriers due to the particularly tricky track conditions and was forced to retire. In China, he showed progress, finishing 14th and ahead of his teammate Nico Hülkenberg. The young driver has the talent to deliver brilliant moments this season, provided his car allows him to fully showcase his potential.
The season has just begun, but these three drivers, like their colleagues, all have great talent. They just need to grow, make mistakes, learn, and mature to become the best versions of themselves. Antonelli, Hadjar, or Bortoleto—who has impressed you the most in this F1 debut?
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