2025 Formula 1 rookies: Get to know them better

Published on 16 November 2024 at 14:40

Next year promises to be a special year in the world of Formula 1. We’ll see four new faces on the grid, some of whom we’ve seen race before, while others are entirely new. Want to get to know these four new rookies better? Be sure to read on! We introduce them all to you!

Kimi Antonelli

Name: Andrea Kimi Antonelli
Team: Mercedes 
Date of birth:
August 25, 2006
Natonality:
Italian

Kimi Antonelli is a name that has been creating buzz in the world of motorsport. Born on May 25, 2006, in Bologna, Italy, Antonelli is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in racing today. With a natural flair for speed and precision, he has quickly risen through the ranks, earning a reputation as a driver to watch.

Early Career: Karting Success

Kimi Antonelli began his motorsport journey in karting, where he showcased extraordinary talent from a young age. Competing in prestigious international karting championships, he won numerous titles, including the WSK Euro Series and the CIK-FIA European Championship. These victories cemented his place among the top karting drivers of his generation.

Transition to Formula Racing

In 2021, Antonelli made the leap to single-seaters, joining the Italian Formula 4 Championship with Prema Racing, a powerhouse team known for nurturing young talent. His debut was nothing short of impressive, as he consistently fought at the front and secured podium finishes.

Building on this momentum, Antonelli expanded his presence to the ADAC Formula 4 Championship in 2022. He dominated the competition, clinching the championship title and further establishing himself as a formidable competitor.

Formula Regional and Beyond

In 2023, Kimi stepped up to the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA), a critical stepping stone for drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1. Racing again with Prema Racing, he demonstrated his adaptability and skill, competing against some of the best up-and-coming drivers in the world.

The Road Ahead

With his impressive record and backing from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team as a junior driver, Kimi Antonelli’s career trajectory seems destined for greatness. As he continues to develop, many see him as a potential Formula 1 driver in the near future.

Kimi Antonelli is not just a talented racer; he represents the next generation of motorsport excellence. Keep an eye on this young Italian—his journey is only just beginning!


Oliver Bearman

Name: Oliver James Bearman
Team: Haas
Date of birth:
May 8, 2005
Natonality: 
British 

Oliver Bearman is a young British racing driver whose meteoric rise through the junior racing categories has made him one of the most exciting talents to watch. Born on May 8, 2005, in Chelmsford, England, Bearman is widely regarded as a driver with immense potential, backed by both raw talent and impressive results.

Dominating in Karting

Bearman’s journey began in karting, where he quickly established himself as a future star. Competing in national and international championships, he gained recognition for his speed, racecraft, and consistency, often racing against the best young drivers from around the globe.

Success in Formula 4

In 2021, Bearman made a breakthrough in his career with a stunning season in Formula 4. Competing in both the Italian Formula 4 Championship and the ADAC Formula 4 Championship, he achieved a rare feat: winning both championships in the same year. With an incredible 17 wins across the two series, Bearman showcased his dominance and ability to perform under pressure.

Stepping Up to Formula 3

After his stellar F4 season, Bearman joined the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022, marking him as a driver with serious backing for a future Formula 1 career. That same year, he advanced to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, driving for Prema Racing. Despite being a rookie, Bearman impressed with his pace, securing multiple podiums and finishing consistently in the points, a testament to his adaptability and skill.

Stepping Up to Formula 3

After his stellar F4 season, Bearman joined the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy in 2022, marking him as a driver with serious backing for a future Formula 1 career. That same year, he advanced to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, driving for Prema Racing. Despite being a rookie, Bearman impressed with his pace, securing multiple podiums and finishing consistently in the points, a testament to his adaptability and skill.

Formula 2 and Beyond

In 2023, Oliver Bearman continued his upward trajectory by stepping into the FIA Formula 2 Championship, often considered the final stage before Formula 1. Racing with Prema Racing once again, he faced intense competition but continued to deliver standout performances, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top prospects in motorsport.

Formula 1 career

In 2024, the young Brit got the ultimate opportunity to showcase his talent in Formula 1. He replaced Carlos Sainz, who was hospitalized due to appendicitis. Oliver Bearman stepped into the Ferrari and scored points on his debut!

But it didn’t stop there. Later in 2024, he once again got behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, this time replacing Kevin Magnussen at Haas after Magnussen was disqualified from a race. The Brit made a strong impression and proved his worth.

As a result of his standout performances, Bearman will have his own seat at Haas in 2025!

 

Jack Doohan

Name: Jack Doohan
Team: Alpine
Date of birth:
January 20, 2003
Natonality: 
Australian 

Jack Doohan, born on January 20, 2003, in Gold Coast, Australia, is a young racing driver making waves in the world of motorsport. As the son of five-time Grand prix motorcycle  World Champion Mick Doohan, Jack has motorsport in his blood, but he has chosen a different path—four wheels instead of two. With raw talent, determination, and a string of impressive results, Doohan has firmly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the sport.

 

From Karting to Single-Seaters

Like many young drivers, Jack began his career in karting, where he showcased exceptional skill and quickly gained recognition on the international stage. His success in karting opened the door to single-seater racing, where he transitioned in 2018.

Success in Formula 4 and Formula 3

Jack made his single-seater debut in the F4 British Championship in 2018, finishing on the podium multiple times and gaining valuable experience. His breakthrough came in 2019 when he joined the FIA Formula 3 Asian Championship, where he consistently performed at the top and finished as a runner-up in 2020.

In 2021, Doohan moved to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, competing with Trident Racing. He enjoyed a standout season, claiming multiple wins and finishing second in the championship standings. His aggressive yet calculated driving style caught the attention of talent scouts and motorsport insiders.

Stepping Up to Formula 2

In 2022, Jack graduated to the FIA Formula 2 Championship, driving for Virtuosi Racing. Competing against some of the best young drivers in the world, he displayed remarkable growth and resilience, achieving race wins and podiums. Doohan’s ability to adapt to the increased speed and complexity of F2 cars highlighted his readiness for higher levels of competition.

Backed by Alpine

Jack Doohan is part of the Alpine Academy, the driver development program of the Alpine Formula 1 team. This support places him on a direct path toward a potential Formula 1 seat, as Alpine continues to nurture his career and prepare him for the top level of motorsport.

A Bright Future Ahead

With a strong foundation in junior racing and the backing of a Formula 1 team, Jack Doohan is a name to watch in the coming years. His determination, combined with his natural talent, has set him on a trajectory toward success in the highly competitive world of Formula 1.

Gabriel Bortoleto

Name: Jack Doohan
Team: Sauber
Date of birth:
October 14, 2004
Natonality: 
Brazilian 

Gabriel Bortoleto is a talented Brazilian racing driver making waves in the world of motorsport with his impressive performances and steady rise through the ranks. Born on October 14, 2004, in São Paulo, Brazil, Bortoleto represents a new generation of South American drivers aiming to follow in the footsteps of racing legends like Ayrton Senna and Nelson Piquet.

 

Karting Beginnings

Like many successful racing drivers, Bortoleto’s journey began in karting. He quickly showcased his skill and determination, competing in international karting competitions and achieving strong results. His ability to adapt to different circuits and conditions marked him as a driver with significant potential.

Transition to Single-Seaters

In 2021, Gabriel made his single-seater debut in the Formula 4 Spanish Championship with FA Racing, the team founded by two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso. Competing as a rookie, he showed promise and gained valuable experience in the highly competitive series.

Bortoleto made a significant leap in 2022, moving to the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) with R-ace GP. In a grid full of talented young drivers, he earned multiple podiums and finished the season as one of the standout performers, proving he had the talent to compete at the highest levels of junior motorsport.

FIA Formula 3 Success

In 2023, Gabriel stepped up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, driving for Trident Racing. He had an outstanding rookie season, showcasing not just raw speed but also consistency and racecraft. With multiple wins and podium finishes, he clinched the FIA Formula 3 Championship title, establishing himself as a star of the future.

Driven to Succeed

With his championship-winning season in FIA Formula 3, Gabriel Bortoleto has become one of the most exciting young drivers in the motorsport world. His combination of skill, composure, and determination makes him a strong candidate for success in the higher echelons of racing, including Formula 2 and, potentially, Formula 1.

Fans and pundits alike are watching closely as Gabriel Bortoleto’s career continues to gain momentum. As he climbs the motorsport ladder, he carries the hopes of Brazilian racing fans eager to see their next hero on the global stage.

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