Ranking the 2025 F1 Rookie Class in a Season of Transition

The 2025 Formula 1 season marks a significant shift, as six full-season rookies made their debut during the Australian Grand Prix. After a stable 2024 season featuring the same 20 drivers, the introduction of new talent has added a fresh dynamic to the grid. Among those newcomers, three drivers—Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto—are embarking on their first full-time careers in Formula 1, while others like Ollie Bearman and Liam Lawson have prior experience.

Franco Colapinto is another driver who will join the rookie ranks mid-season, enhancing the competitive landscape. However, for the assessment of the ‘Class of 2025’, we focus only on those who had not previously completed extensive portions of F1 seasons.

5. Jack Doohan

• Best Result: P13 (China)
• Points: 0
• Championship Position: 21st

Jack Doohan’s time in Formula 1 was brief, participating in only six races before being replaced by Colapinto at Alpine. After joining Alpine’s academy in 2022, his journey began with a promising testing program throughout 2024. Doohan was thrust into F1 following Esteban Ocon’s departure, but pressure mounted early, especially after Alpine’s signing of Colapinto.

Despite showing potential in qualifying, Doohan struggled to convert that speed into solid race results. His season ended with a crash during the Australian GP, further compounded by incidents in Japan and Miami. Following his departure from F1, he has taken part in Super Formula testing in Japan.

4. Gabriel Bortoleto

• Best Result: P6 (Hungary)
• Points: 19
• Championship Position: 19th

Gabriel Bortoleto finished last in the standings among drivers who scored points, yet he demonstrated significant improvement over the course of the season. After an initial struggle, Bortoleto began to find his rhythm, particularly after the team’s major upgrade during the Spanish GP.

His performance peaked with a P6 finish in Hungary, showcasing his capability to compete at higher levels. Although he faced setbacks, such as a crash at Silverstone and penalties resulting from misjudgments, Bortoleto’s season overall highlighted his potential for future success.

3. Kimi Antonelli

• Best Result: P2 (Brazil)
• Points: 150
• Championship Position: 7th

Kimi Antonelli had a fluctuating rookie year with Mercedes, experiencing both highs and lows. After a strong debut where he finished fourth in Australia, he continued to show promise with a series of consistent performances. However, he encountered a mid-season performance dip that raised concerns.

Despite these challenges, Antonelli rebounded impressively, earning consecutive podium finishes in Brazil and Las Vegas. His strong finish in Brazil, where he defended against Max Verstappen, illustrated his burgeoning talent and potential to challenge F1’s elite.

2. Ollie Bearman

• Best Result: P4 (Mexico)
• Points: 41
• Championship Position: 13th

Ollie Bearman’s speed was evident from his late-season debut in 2024. Transitioning to Haas in 2025, he showed consistent performance and competitiveness against teammate Esteban Ocon. After the initial races, Bearman consistently outqualified Ocon, establishing himself as a formidable presence.

His standout moment occurred at the Mexican GP, where a strategic call from Red Bull denied him a podium finish. Bearman’s fourth-place result showcased his growing skill, although he also dealt with rookie errors that nearly led to race penalties.

1. Isack Hadjar

• Best Result: P3 (Netherlands)
• Points: 51
• Championship Position: 12th

Isack Hadjar’s impressive turnaround from a crash during his debut in Melbourne to becoming the top rookie of the season is noteworthy. His evolution throughout the year was marked by consistent performances, as he regularly reached Q3, ultimately matching more experienced drivers such as Lewis Hamilton.

Hadjar secured his first podium finish in Zandvoort, a significant achievement for both him and his team, Racing Bulls. His steady improvement and adaptability have led to expectations for his promotion to Red Bull in the upcoming season, underscoring his potential in the sport.

Published on 1766829879 • Category: Motorsports