In a season marked by the arrival of numerous young drivers, two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso has made his preference clear — and it is not Mercedes-backed Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The Spanish veteran chose his favorite among the new generation of drivers and did not shy away from sending a subtle dig at those who have relied on extensive Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programs to prepare for their Formula 1 debut.
The 2025 Formula 1 season represents a significant generational shift. Several experienced drivers are leaving the grid — either permanently or temporarily — including Kevin Magnussen, Sergio Pérez, Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo, and Zhou Guanyu. This changing of the guard has opened up seats for a host of promising young talents, each with high expectations placed on them before even turning a wheel in a Grand Prix.
Among the rookies making headlines are Andrea Kimi Antonelli — often labeled as the “new Max Verstappen” and strongly supported by Mercedes — as well as other standout newcomers such as Oliver Bearman, who is widely expected to secure a long-term future with Scuderia Ferrari, and Red Bull’s aggressive young prospect, Isack Hadjar.
Antonelli, the Italian sensation from Bologna, bypassed Formula 3 entirely on his meteoric rise to Formula 1. This fast-tracked path has put him under a glaring spotlight — generating excitement among fans and skepticism among some pundits. Despite this, he has already achieved a breakthrough moment, scoring his first career podium at the Canadian Grand Prix.
However, when asked to identify the most impressive rookie of the 2025 season, Fernando Alonso pointed elsewhere.
According to Fernando Alonso, the best rookie is not Antonelli — it’s Bortoleto
Speaking to the media, Fernando Alonso named Gabriel Bortoleto as the standout among this year’s new drivers: “He’s doing very well, but that’s no surprise. Already in Abu Dhabi last year, I thought he was the most complete driver of his generation. He won Formula 3 in his debut season, and now he’s winning in Formula 2 — again at his first attempt. He didn’t participate in any TPC programs. No extra testing, nothing. He came straight into Formula 1 and is still doing an incredible job.”
The Spanish champion’s mention of TPC programs appeared to be a direct reference to Antonelli. The young Italian has undergone an intense pre-season training and testing schedule organized by Mercedes, including multiple private runs in older Formula 1 machinery to prepare him for the demands of the premier class.
Alonso elaborated: “Some might have better equipment or more competitive packages, and maybe someone will win sooner than he [Bortoleto] does. But in the long run, I believe he will prove to be the best of this new generation. He showed his talent when everyone was racing with equal machinery in the junior categories. And now, even with a team like Sauber, which struggled last year, I think he and Nico [Hülkenberg] have brought fresh motivation to the entire operation.”
Alonso’s words highlight his admiration for drivers who deliver results without relying heavily on external support or preparation advantages. For the 42-year-old Spaniard, Gabriel Bortoleto represents the purest form of rising talent in the 2025 F1 rookie class — and someone who, in his view, could have the brightest future of them all.
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