Fresh Faces of Formula 1

The Formula 1 grid is constantly evolving, and the 2025 season is no exception, with a fresh group of talented drivers shaking up the paddock. As veteran drivers move on or shift teams, new faces are stepping into the spotlight, bringing impressive junior records, untested talent, and a hunger to prove themselves on motorsport’s biggest stage. In this post, we’ll introduce you to the rookies and recent additions redesigning the 2025 F1 landscape.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s rapid rise to F1 has been nothing short of remarkable. The Bologna-born son of racer Marco Antonelli was signed by Mercedes after a dominant karting career. He debuted in cars at 15, winning Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2022 and Formula Regional titles in 2023. Skipping F3, he jumped straight to F2 in 2024, just as Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari, opening a coveted Mercedes seat. Though his F2 start was steady, Antonelli broke through mid-season with wins at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, plus a daring Spa-Francorchamps overtake that wowed both fans and team bosses. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Mercedes confirmed Antonelli as Hamilton’s 2025 replacement. Despite a crash in his Monza practice debut, he is making a name for himself in the 2025 season.

Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 F2 champion, becomes the first full-time Brazilian F1 driver since Felipe Massa. Born in São Paulo, he began karting at seven, supported by his father, Lincoln Oliveira. After early success, he moved to Europe, following in Ayrton Senna’s footsteps with international karting wins and a transition to single-seaters. Bortoleto raced in Italian F4 and Formula Regional before joining Fernando Alonso’s A14 management. He won back-to-back F3 and F2 titles in 2023 and 2024, with a standout drive from last to first in Monza. Though he was signed to McLaren’s development program, limited openings led him to a seat at Kick Sauber, joining Nico Hulkenberg for 2025. He debuted in Sauber’s post-season test in Abu Dhabi in 2024 and is ready to make his mark in F1.

Liam Lawson has made a habit of thriving under pressure. A race winner across junior categories, the New Zealander got his unexpected F1 break in 2023 when Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand at Zandvoort. Jumping into action with AlphaTauri, Lawson impressed, most notably in Singapore, where he beat Max Verstappen and scored points. Despite Red Bull ruling him out for 2024, Lawson stayed ready. Another Ricciardo absence later that season gave him another shot, as Red Bull assessed future line-ups. His strong performances paid off, earning him a promotion to partner Verstappen in 2025. But after just two tough races, Lawson was sent back to Racing Bulls. His F1 journey, however, is far from over. 

Oliver Bearman first stepped into the F1 spotlight in Saudi Arabia 2024, replacing an ill Carlos Sainz for Ferrari. Prior to that, he’d gained experience with test runs for the Scuderia and FP1 sessions with Haas at the end of 2023. Alongside those duties, he raced in F2 with Prema, taking four wins and finishing sixth in the championship. Bearman was set to start the F2 race in Jeddah after taking pole, but was called up for his F1 debut instead, where he impressed with a P7 finish and six points. He later raced again for Haas in Azerbaijan, filling in for a suspended Kevin Magnussen. His strong showings secured him a full-time F1 seat with Haas for 2025.

Isack Hadjar was the final addition to the 2025 F1 grid, joining Racing Bulls after Red Bull’s reshuffle saw Liam Lawson replace Sergio Perez. Before F1 the Paris-born driver rose quickly through the ranks, shining in French F4 and earning Red Bull Junior Team status in 2022 after strong showings in Formula Regional and F3. Though his 2023 F2 season was winless, Red Bull kept faith, giving him F1 practice runs and backing him for a 2024 return. He responded with four wins and a title challenge, narrowly losing to Gabriel Bortoleto after a final-round stall. Despite not securing a junior title, Hadjar’s pace and potential earned him a shot alongside Yuki Tsunoda. Red Bull boss Christian Horner called him a “raw talent” – now it’s up to Hadjar to prove he belongs in F1.