Andrea Kimi Antonelli, once a young fan sneaking into the Formula 1 paddock by hiding in a stack of tires, is now stepping into a prestigious role as Lewis Hamilton’s successor at Mercedes. This 18-year-old Italian sensation is part of an influx of new talents in F1, with an unprecedented number of newcomers taking to the grid for the 2025 season. As a third of the competitors begin their rookie seasons, some have the potential to clinch victories, while others face the challenge of securing their positions amidst fierce competition.
The transition to younger drivers follows an impressive Formula 2 season and takes place as teams look to rejuvenate their lineups, moving on from seasoned drivers like Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. Teams see the 2025 season as an opportunity to groom young talent before the introduction of the significant F1 car design changes expected in 2026.
Antonelli’s arrival at Mercedes as the successor to Hamilton places him under intense scrutiny. Known for his impressive junior racing record, Antonelli aims to carve his identity as merely “the next Mercedes driver,” conscious of Hamilton’s impressive legacy. His first visit to the F1 paddock happened when he was just eight years old, sneaking past security under the cover of tires for an unforgettable experience. With strong performances in junior series and a commendable sixth-place finish in F2 last year, Antonelli’s debut at the top level hit a snag with a serious crash during practice at Monza.
Meanwhile, Liam Lawson of Red Bull stands out due to his prior F1 experience, having competed in 11 races since 2023, although this will be his first full season. Partnering with four-time champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull is a formidable challenge for Lawson. He seeks to validate the team’s decision to promote him above his former teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, who outperformed him last season.
Ferrari’s young talent, Oliver Bearman, made an impactful entrance into F1 by securing a seventh-place finish in Saudi Arabia, despite being a last-minute substitute for Carlos Sainz Jr. His impressive debut and subsequent performances for Haas earned him a full-time position at the team for 2025, while still remaining under Ferrari’s junior program.
On the other hand, Jack Doohan, the son of motorcycle legend Mick Doohan, faces a precarious position at Alpine. The team has Franco Colapinto ready as a potential replacement, putting pressure on Doohan to perform. Despite placing third in F2 in 2023, his limited racing experience last year has left him with much to prove.
Isack Hadjar steps into an opportunity with Racing Bulls, filling the vacancy left by Liam Lawson’s advancement. With the team notorious for mid-season driver changes based on performance, Hadjar is aware of the precarious nature of his position.
Lastly, Gabriel Bortoleto, an F2 champion, finds his introduction to F1 somewhat overshadowed. Joining Sauber ahead of its transition to the Audi works team in 2026, Bortoleto is also notable as the first full-time Brazilian driver in F1 since 2017. His tribute to Ayrton Senna through his helmet design marks a nod to the revered racing legend.
