The Formula 1 grid is undergoing changes in the 2025 season with new drivers entering the scene. As experienced drivers retire or change teams, emerging talents are stepping up, eager to make their mark in the world of motorsport.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has quickly ascended to Formula 1. Born in Bologna and son of racer Marco Antonelli, he was signed by Mercedes after a successful karting career. He debuted in cars at age 15, winning Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2022 and Formula Regional titles in 2023. Skipping F3, he moved directly to F2 in 2024 following Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, which opened a seat at Mercedes. After a steady start, Antonelli secured wins at Silverstone and Hungaroring and impressed with an overtake at Spa-Francorchamps. Shortly after turning 18, Mercedes confirmed him as Hamilton’s replacement for the 2025 season.
Gabriel Bortoleto is now the first full-time Brazilian F1 driver since Felipe Massa. Born in São Paulo, he began karting at seven under his father Lincoln Oliveira’s guidance. He moved to Europe for international karting competitions before transitioning to single-seaters. Bortoleto raced in Italian F4 and Formula Regional before joining Fernando Alonso’s A14 management team. He won consecutive F3 and F2 titles in 2023 and 2024, including a notable drive from last to first at Monza. Although initially part of McLaren’s development program, limited opportunities led him to Kick Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg for the 2025 season.
Liam Lawson has demonstrated resilience under pressure throughout his career. The New Zealander got his unexpected break into F1 when Daniel Ricciardo injured his hand at Zandvoort in 2023. Racing with AlphaTauri, Lawson impressed by beating Max Verstappen and scoring points in Singapore. Despite being ruled out by Red Bull for 2024, another opportunity arose due to Ricciardo’s absence later that year. His performances earned him a spot partnering Verstappen in 2025 but was soon reassigned back to Racing Bulls after two races.
Oliver Bearman made his debut replacing Carlos Sainz for Ferrari during the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix in 2024 after gaining experience through test runs with Scuderia Ferrari and FP1 sessions with Haas at the end of 2023. While racing with Prema in F2, Bearman took four wins finishing sixth overall before being called up for his impressive P7 finish on debut instead of starting the Jeddah race from pole position.
Isack Hadjar joined Racing Bulls as part of Red Bull’s reshuffle when Liam Lawson replaced Sergio Perez for the upcoming season. The Paris-born driver rose through French F4 ranks earning Red Bull Junior Team status by showing potential despite not securing any junior title wins until now.
