Who are the Young Guns of F1 with the Potential to Stand on the Podium in 2025?

The 2025 F1 season ushers in a remarkable class of rookies, each with their own unique skills and exceptional talents.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli

Nationality: Italian

Age: 18

Achievments: 2022 - Italian F4 Championship, 2019 - Mercedes Junior Team Member

At just 18, Antonelli will be the youngest driver on the starting grid, who in joining Mercedes carries a huge weight of expectation on his young shoulders.

The Italian prodigy has been dominant throughout his junior career, especially in Formula 2 with Prema Racing, where his precise race craft and unflinching composure earned him multiple wins.

Antonelli’s rapid ascent to F1 reflects his natural talent and ability to handle pressure, and many see him as a potential future world champion.

His journey represents a new era for Italian motorsport, and his pairing with George Russell adds an intriguing dynamic to the Mercedes lineup.

Jack Doohan

Nationality: Australian

Age: 21

Achievments: 2022 - Alpine Academy Member

The son of MotoGP legend Mick Doohan, brings a strong blend of legacy and personal achievement to Alpine.

Doohan has managed, successfully, to step out of his father’s shadow by excelling in single-seater racing.

Inn Formula 2 he showcased his adaptability and consistency, often outperforming more experienced competitors in challenging conditions. Known for his methodical approach to racing and a calm demeanour, Doohan is well-equipped to navigate the demanding world of F1.

Whilst his debut season in F1 will provide a significant test of his abilities, the solid foundation and technical understanding on which his career has been built, to date, makes him a rookie to watch.

Ollie Bearman 

Nationality: British

Age: 19

Achievments: 2022 - Ferrari Driver Academy Member, 2021 - Italian and German F4 Championship Winner

After turning heads with his fearless driving style in the junior categories, Bearman makes his 2025 fulltime F1 debut with Haas.

A product of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Bearman has proven himself with standout performances in both Formula 2 and Formula 3, where his aggressive overtaking and strategic thinking often put him ahead of the pack.

Bearman’s promotion to F1 has been a natural progression, and his competitive spirit aligns with Haas’s reputation for fighting hard in the midfield.

As one of the youngest, British drivers on the grid, at [give age][SV2] , he carries the hopes of fans eager to see him challenge the old order.

 Gabriel Bortoleto 

Nationality: Brazilian

Age: 20

Achievments: 2024 - FIA F2 Champion, 2023 - FIA F3 Champion, 2023 - McLaren Driver Development Programme

Bortoleto steps into F1 with Kick Sauber on the back of a standout campaign in Formula 2 that highlighted his exceptional race craft and strategic mind, which ultimately culminated in him being crowned the 2024 Formula 2 champion.

The Brazilian is celebrated for his calm and measured approach to racing, often extracting maximum performance from challenging situations.

Bortoleto’s rise through the ranks has been steady but impressive.

His 2025 F1 rookie season presents an exciting opportunity to showcase his talent on the world stage.

With Kick Sauber in a rebuilding phase, Bortoleto’s potential makes him a key part of the team’s future.

Isack Hadjar 

Nationality: French-Algerian

Age: 20

Achievments: 2022 - Red Bull Junior Team Member, 2021 - FR European - Rookie

Hadjar joins the rebadged 2025 team Visa Cash App Red Bulls (VCARB), bringing an edge of boldness and determination to the grid.

The French-Algerian driver is renowned for his aggressive racing style and ability to seize critical moments, traits that have earned him victories and accolades in Formula 2.

A Red Bull Junior Team member, Hadjar’s journey to F1 has been defined by his relentless driving and ability to adapt quickly to higher levels of competition.

His 2025 F1 rookie season at VACRB will test his consistency, but his raw talent makes him a strong contender to deliver standout performances.

Liam Lawson 

Nationality: New Zealand

Age: 22

Achievments: 2019 - Red Bull Junior Team Member

And at last, we have our honorary rookie: Liam Lawson, completing his first full season in F1 next year. Lawson’s journey to becoming a fulltime Red Bull driver has been a testament to his perseverance and versatility.

The 22-year-old New Zealander has built a reputation for excelling under pressure, particularly during his reserve and substitute roles, for Visa Cash App RB team, during the 2024 season, where he stepped up seamlessly and delivered strong performances.

Lawson’s aggressive yet refined style has been honed across multiple disciplines, including Super Formula, where he demonstrated his adaptability and hunger for success.

Now paired with Max Verstappen at Red Bull, Lawson faces the ultimate test of his skills.

His fearless nature strongly suggests he won’t shy away from the challenge.