Formula One Welcomes Six New Rookies in 2025 Season Kickoff

MELBOURNE, Australia — The 2025 Formula One season is set to commence this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, marking a significant shift in the grid as six new drivers prepare to make their mark, the highest influx of rookie talent in over a generation. This opening race, held at the Albert Park Circuit, begins a season where the expectations are high, and the competition fierce.

Among the newcomers, Jack Doohan, a 22-year-old Alpine driver, will be racing at home for the first time in F1. Having spent last season shadowing his team as their reserve driver, Doohan feels ready for the spotlight. He said, “I’m excited to get to tomorrow, FP1 underway, and enjoy actually driving these cars.”

Doohan is joined by fellow rookies Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes, Ollie Bearman from Haas, Gabriel Bortoleto from Sauber, Isack Hadjar with Red Bull, and Jack Doohan. Bruno Michel, the CEO of Formula Two, described this year as “incredible,” noting the exceptional quality among the seasoned graduates.

As the oldest rookie, Doohan’s experience sets him apart. He completed two seasons in Formula Three and Formula Two, securing third place in the 2023 F2 standings. Despite sitting out last year’s competitive racing, his private testing with Alpine has equipped him well for this season. “He makes very few mistakes,” Michel praised, attributing Doohan’s success to his time spent as a reserve driver.

Another standout is Kimi Antonelli, who steps into the shoes of Formula One legend Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. Antonelli, who made a meteoric rise from winning the Italian and German F4 titles at just 16, received a direct promotion to Formula Two, ignoring the traditional route through F3. “It is a massive jump,” Michel noted.

Ollie Bearman, who debuted last season for Ferrari, earned his place in F1 after a remarkable performance where he finished seventh in his first race. “He is a very likable person with a budding fan base,” Michel stated, highlighting Bearman’s appeal to fans and his potential for stardom.

Gabriel Bortoleto, fresh off back-to-back championships in F3 and F2, aims to rejuvenate Brazil’s presence in F1 following a hiatus since Felipe Massa’s departure. Michel noted, “It’s going to be crazy in Brazil if he starts to do well.”

Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar fills an opening on the Red Bull team after impressive performances in F2, finishing as a runner-up last season. “He’s a fighter,” Michel commented, reflecting on Hadjar’s strong character amidst the competitive Red Bull environment.

The season opener in Australia is particularly significant for Doohan, who looks to pay homage to his father, Mick, a prominent figure in Australian motorsports. The race will not only be a debut for the rookies but also a measure of their capabilities on a storied track.

The Albert Park Circuit, returning as an F1 venue after several years, has seen changes to improve overtaking opportunities. With drivers adapting to its challenges, prospects for competitive racing are high this season, reigniting excitement among fans after the recent hiatus.

The 2025 season starts with heightened anticipation surrounding the performance of established teams like McLaren and Red Bull, but the fresh faces of the rookie drivers bring an additional layer of intrigue. As the lights go out on Sunday, all eyes will be on the newcomers seeking to establish themselves in the competitive world of Formula One.