The 2025 Formula 1 season is well underway, and after six races, it’s time for an early look at the performance of the new rookies. This year’s class has been highly anticipated, with many experts predicting the arrival of a new “golden age” for the sport. While it’s still early days, the initial races have given us a glimpse into the potential of these young drivers. It’s important to remember that these are early impressions, not definitive judgments, but they offer a fascinating insight into who is adapting well to the pinnacle of motorsport and who is struggling to find their footing.

The rookies are a diverse group, each with their own unique journey to the F1 grid. From highly-touted prodigies to unexpected standouts, they have all faced the immense pressure of competing at the highest level. In this analysis, we’ll delve into the performances of each rookie, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they need to do to succeed in the cutthroat world of Formula 1.

Gabriel Bortoleto: A Rocky Start

First up is Gabriel Bortoleto, who finds himself at the bottom of the championship standings among the rookies. It’s been a tough start for the young driver, with his season marred by a series of DNFs and spins. While Bortoleto has shown flashes of raw talent, his lack of pace and awareness has been a significant concern. He has often found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to costly mistakes that have hampered his progress.

For Bortoleto, the path forward is clear: he needs to find more pace and improve his race awareness. The learning curve in F1 is steep, and he will need to adapt quickly if he wants to secure his place on the grid for the long term. The pressure is on, and the coming races will be crucial in determining whether he can turn his season around.

Liam Lawson: A Season of Struggles

Liam Lawson’s journey to F1 has been a rollercoaster. After a challenging start with Red Bull, he was moved to VCARB, a move that was meant to give him a chance to shine. However, Lawson has struggled to find his form, with his season plagued by poor racecraft, a lack of pace, and questionable awareness. It’s clear that the young driver is in need of a mental reset.

The talent is undoubtedly there, but Lawson needs to find a way to channel it effectively. The mental side of F1 is just as important as the physical, and he will need to build his confidence back up if he is to have any chance of success. The next few races will be a test of his resilience and his ability to bounce back from adversity.

Jack Doohan: An Undeserved Exit?

One of the most controversial stories of the season so far has been the firing of Jack Doohan after just six races. While Doohan had his fair share of struggles, particularly with crashing and inconsistent racecraft, there were also promising signs. He showed a remarkable ability to manage his tires, a skill that is highly valued in F1.

Many in the paddock believe that Doohan was not given enough time to prove himself. F1 is a results-driven business, but it’s also a sport where young drivers need time to develop. Doohan’s early exit serves as a stark reminder of the ruthless nature of the sport, and it raises questions about whether teams are giving their rookies enough of a chance to succeed.

Oliver Bearman: The Overtaking Maestro

Oliver Bearman was one of the most highly anticipated rookies of the season, and he has not disappointed. Bearman has quickly established himself as a formidable force on the track, with his exceptional racecraft and overtaking ability earning him praise from fans and experts alike. He has a natural talent for finding his way through the pack, and he is not afraid to make bold moves.

However, Bearman is not without his weaknesses. His qualifying pace has been a concern, and he often finds himself starting further down the grid than he would like. If he can improve his performance on Saturdays, he has the potential to be a regular contender for podium finishes. Bearman is a star in the making, and it will be exciting to watch him develop in the coming years.

Isack Hadjar: The Surprise Package

Isack Hadjar has been the surprise package of the season so far. He has consistently impressed with his exceptional race management and impressive pace, proving that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level. Hadjar has a mature head on his young shoulders, and he has shown a remarkable ability to stay out of trouble and bring the car home in one piece.

Unfortunately, Hadjar’s points tally does not reflect his true performance, as he has often been let down by his team’s strategy. If his team can provide him with the support he needs, there is no doubt that he will be a force to be reckoned with. Hadjar is a driver on the rise, and he has the potential to be a future star of the sport.

Kimi Antonelli: The Best of the Best?

Finally, we come to Kimi Antonelli, who has been widely hailed as the best rookie of the 2025 season. Antonelli has shown a remarkable level of consistency and improvement, getting closer and closer to the performance of his more experienced teammate, George Russell. He has a natural talent for driving an F1 car, and he has adapted to the demands of the sport with remarkable ease.

While there are still some areas where Antonelli can improve, particularly in race management, the early signs are incredibly promising. He has the potential to be a future world champion, and it will be fascinating to watch his journey in the coming years.

A Golden Age on the Horizon?

Overall, the 2025 F1 rookie class has exceeded all expectations. These young drivers have brought a new level of excitement to the sport, and they have shown that the future of F1 is in good hands. While some have had a more challenging start than others, there is no doubt that this is a talented group of drivers with the potential to achieve great things.

The performances of Antonelli, Bearman, and Hadjar, in particular, have been a breath of fresh air, and they have shown that they are more than capable of competing with the established stars of the sport. If this is a sign of things to come, then F1 fans are in for a treat. A new “golden age” may well be upon us.