The F1 2025 season is buzzing with fresh talent, and the question on everyone’s lips is: Who could be the Rookie of the Year? With six rookies battling it out on the grid, the competition is fierce, and the spotlight is definitely on a few standout names. Let’s break down the main contenders, their chances, and why some rookies might find it tough to claim the crown.
Who Could Be Rookie of the Year in 2025?
First up, the top three with the most promise: Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto. These young guns have shown impressive pace and resilience, making strong cases for themselves.
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes): Antonelli has had a meteoric rise this season. Skipping a step in the racing ladder, he’s quickly adapted to the fierce Formula 1 competition. Despite a tough start with a crash in practice, Kimi bounced back with solid performances, including becoming the youngest ever race leader and delivering thrilling moments like his bold wet-weather move at Spa. His backing by Mercedes and consistent points finishes put him right in the spotlight as a serious Rookie of the Year contender. He’s also the only rookie to stand on a podium this year, making him a serious contender for the rookie of the year.
Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls): Isack might be the dark horse here. Despite a couple of crashes, Isack’s pace and tire management skills have stood out. He’s scored points consistently and even dominated the midfield in some races. His ability to fight back after setbacks and show maturity beyond his years has impressed team bosses and fans alike. Keeping in mind his performance in the last race, where he finished before his idol, Lewis Hamilton, he could be the underdog story for the rookie of the year.
Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber): Bortoleto arrives with high expectations as the reigning F2 champion and the first Brazilian rookie in years. Calm, strategic, and quick, Gabriel has drawn praise for his racecraft and technical feedback. With Sauber transitioning to Audi next year, this is his moment to shine and prove he’s the complete package for the rookie of the year.
Why the Chances Are Less for Others
Not everyone has had the same start, and some rookies face an uphill battle:
Ollie Bearman (Haas): Bearman has talent and a racing pedigree, but had limited racing miles in 2024 and some inexperience showing in his early races. Despite points on debut, the learning curve in a tough Haas car might slow his push for Rookie of the Year.
Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls): Lawson is already somewhat experienced, having multiple starts last season and strong performances in F2 and other series. However, his 2025 Red Bull seat was taken away in just three races, and he was replaced by Yuki Tsunoda. Now, he races for the Racing Bulls, and with fierce competition around him, it’s less likely he’ll claim the rookie of the year.
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Franco Colapinto (Alpine): Colapinto has had some impressive outings but remains at the bottom of the grid in almost every race, putting him at a clear disadvantage for Rookie of the Year honors.
But, remember, it’s only half of the 2025 season so far, and F1 is full of surprises. Rookies can bloom late, and strategy or reliability might shake things up. While Kimi, Isack, and Gabriel look like the frontrunners today, the door is open for others to make their mark. Formula 1 never fails to deliver unexpected twists, so stay tuned—this rookie battle is far from settled!
Also read: Youngest Rookies Of F1 2025: Rising Stars On The Grid
