2025 is going to be the year of the rookies. From Kimi Antonelli to Liam Lawson, Formula 1 will welcome a whole new generation of drivers.
Rookies are going to be the highlight of the 2025 Formula 1 season. New faces are already joining the grid, such as Franco Colapinto in Williams, with the 2024 season full of surprises.
It seems like just yesterday F1 welcomed Alexander Albon, Lando Norris and George Russell. It’s been 5 whole years, and since then the grid has not changed much. The teams have preferred to play it safe, choosing drivers with some more experience, with few exceptions like Oscar Piastri.
But now, Formula 1 will have three whole generations in its ranks. From the veterans Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton to the trio Russell-Norris- Albon, and four new rookies. Could there be a fifth one after Colapinto’s remarkable performances?
1. Ollie Bearman
Oliver (Ollie) Bearman has already had his first taste of Formula 1. During the Grand Prix in Jeddah, the Brit filled the seat of Carlos Sainz’s car. The Spanish driver had to be hospitalised, so as Ferrari reserve driver, Bearman stepped in. He had a solid performance and gained his first points (7) in Formula 1 on his first try.
A few months after that, Haas announced him as their driver for the 2025 season. The news was somewhat shocking, considering that the team hasn’t had a rookie in years. After Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin, Haas decided to stick with more experienced drivers. Bearman will be paired with Esteban Ocon, who will be joining from Alpine.
Ollie’s on the grid for ’25 🙌🇬🇧
Confirming our first driver for the 2025 season, as Ollie signs a multi-year contract with the team ✍️#HaasF1 | @OllieBearman pic.twitter.com/Ub8wTYwES6
— MoneyGram Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) July 4, 2024
In Baku, Bearman was again in Formula 1, this time with his future team, due to Kevin Magnussen’s race ban. The Ferrari Driver Academy cadet surprised everyone, conquering the point zone once again in F1. Many see Bearman as a future Ferrari driver, with a path similar to the one of Charles Leclerc.
2. Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes for Ferrari caused an earthquake in Formula 1 in more than one way. It was the main reason why the driver’s market was chaotic this season.
Once the seven-time World Champion announced his decision, many names came up as his successor in Mercedes. But mainly the one of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The 18-year-old has been on Toto Wolff’s radar for a long time, as part of the Mercedes Junior Team.
BREAKING: Andrea Kimi Antonelli to race for Mercedes from 2025!#F1 pic.twitter.com/bhLN48UdRE
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 31, 2024
What surprised most was Toto Wolff’s choice to sign him without letting him get accommodated into Formula 1 in a mid-field team. Especially as 2024 is Antonelli’s first season in Formula 2, which he entered immediately after Formula 4, skipping Formula 3. There are many expectations on Antonelli, but the young driver has proven time and time again to have the talent needed.
3. Jack Doohan
Alpine, the French team, announced Jack Doohan for the 2025 season. He will join Pierre Gasly after two years as an Alpine reserve driver.
On one hand, he was the natural heir to Ocon’s seat. But in a season full of plot twists like 2024, everyone was almost expecting the unexpected. After many rumours of Sainz joining Alpine, the team decided to look in their own box and signed Doohan.
This was an important decision for Alpine as they aren’t in the best condition as of late. Investing in rookies like Doohan, raised in their team, could be the best choice for them.
4. Liam Lawson
Just like Bearman, Liam Lawson already has experience in Formula 1. In 2023, he was the reserve driver for Alpha Tauri and he temporarily replaced an injured Daniel Ricciardo.
After the Grand Prix in Singapore, Daniel Ricciardo announced his retirement from Formula 1. So, the now Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB or RB) confirmed that Lawson will take Ricciardo’s place for the remaining six races of this year.
For Lawson, the next Grand Prix in the USA will be an occasion to pave his way in the Red Bull world. His presence on the grid for 2025 is not confirmed yet, but it seems likely he will still be part of the team.
More rookies in the future?
With Sauber – the future Audi – still without a driver for next season, there are two other names that are receiving attention. One of them is, of course, Franco Colapinto and the other is Gabriel Bortoleto.
The Argentinian debuted this season with Williams to replace Logan Sargeant and has already proven himself, gaining important points for the team. On the other hand, Bortoleto is the main contender for the F2 Title.
Apparently, Sauber is considering both options, impressed by the talents of the two drivers.
One thing is for certain, next season will be a year for the rookies, which is likely to be really interesting. A true breath of fresh air in the circus.
