A closer look at the six rookies racing in Formula One in 2025

Six drivers are set to enter their first campaign in the sport this season.

The 2025 Formula One season will feature six drivers entering their first campaign in the sport.

Here, the PA news agency runs the rule over the rookies.

Kimi Antonelli

The prodigious Italian teenager has huge shoes to fill. From the moment Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari, the talented young driver was the favourite to take his Mercedes seat. He was fast-tracked to F2 last season and enjoyed a solid campaign, highlighted by sprint victory at Silverstone and a stunning race win in Hungary. After being confirmed as Hamilton’s replacement, Antonelli crashed in his first F1 practice at Monza – hardly ideal timing – but a better run in Mexico should give him confidence. There will be huge attention on the 18-year-old as he takes the wheel at one of the sport’s leading teams.

Liam Lawson

Oliver Bearman

Jack Doohan

The Australian has been a reserve driver at Alpine since 2023 and now steps up to the top table after replacing Esteban Ocon. Son of five-time motorcycle world champion, Mick, Doohan knows a thing or two about racing and has a host of F3 and F2 race wins on his CV. The 22-year-old made his F1 debut at the season-concluding race in Abu Dhabi, finishing 15th, and will hope to kick on alongside Pierre Gasly. He has perhaps not been helped by Alpine’s signing of Franco Colapinto – who impressed when finishing last season with Williams – as reserve driver. Doohan has already faced questions about the looming shadow of the Argentinian and could do with starting the season well to put that talk to bed.

Gabriel Bortoleto

Arriving into F1 as F2 champion should give Bortoleto a heap of confidence and he may well need it given Sauber’s struggles last season. The 20-year-old is the first Brazilian to compete in F1 full-time since Felipe Massa in 2017 and will hope to make his mark alongside veteran Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto has tasted victory at almost every level, backing up 2023’s F3 title with last season’s F2 success. Sauber made their move and the talented youngster will hope he has a car which allows him to showcase his ability.