Formula 1 is entering a new era of young talent, and the sport is making sure fans are paying attention. The latest F1TV documentary, ‘Rookies’, provides a behind-the-scenes look at five drivers making their 2025 grid debut—and if this film is any indication, the sport’s future is in electric hands.
After a stagnant 2024 season where all 20 drivers remained in the same seats—a first in F1 history—the 2025 season flips the script with an influx of fresh talent. Produced and directed by Rory Child, this 50-minute deep dive gives viewers an exclusive look into the highs, lows, and defining moments that shaped the five newest F1 drivers:
🔥 Oliver Bearman (Haas)
🔥 Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
🔥 Jack Doohan (Alpine)
🔥 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
🔥 Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
Featuring commentary from Lewis Hamilton, Toto Wolff, and F2 & F3 CEO Bruno Michel, the documentary pieces together each driver’s unique journey to the top, highlighting the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that earned them a place on the F1 grid.
Oliver Bearman: A Star Born in Jeddah
If there was one defining moment that announced Oliver Bearman to the F1 world, it was his emergency call-up for Ferrari in Jeddah. Filling in for Carlos Sainz, who was sidelined with appendicitis, Bearman jumped into the SF-24 on short notice and delivered a stunning P7 finish.
“Whenever Ollie has been given that moment to perform, he’s stepped up every time,” says his father, David Bearman.
The documentary makes it clear: Bearman thrives under pressure. His stellar substitute drive was a turning point, opening the door for F1’s next wave of rookies by proving that young talent could step in and deliver on demand.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Mercedes’ Next Chosen One?
Replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes is no small task, but 18-year-old Andrea Kimi Antonelli is being hailed as the next generational talent.
Mercedes’ Driver Development Advisor Gwen Lagrue, who scouted Antonelli at age 11, recalls his first impression:
“He was already quite special.”
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff doesn’t shy away from the pressure on Antonelli’s shoulders, acknowledging that his development will take time.
“We expect difficult moments. He’s fierce, but we will protect him and allow him to grow.”
Antonelli himself calls Wolff a “second dad,” emphasizing the long-term vision Mercedes has for their youngest full-time driver in decades.
Jack Doohan: A MotoGP Legacy, an F1 Reality
As the son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan, Jack Doohan’s journey to F1 has been anything but ordinary. Unlike his fellow rookies, Doohan didn’t have a full-time racing program in 2024, instead working as Alpine’s reserve driver.
His father Mick recalls his first major step toward racing:
“He asked me if he won another championship in Australia if I’d take him to Europe for karting. From there, it’s been a ride.”
A year in the shadows at Alpine may have delayed his debut, but the team’s faith in him is unwavering—and now, Doohan finally has his shot.
Gabriel Bortoleto: The Rookie Who Defied the Odds
Winning Formula 3 and Formula 2 in back-to-back rookie seasons is an achievement only a select few drivers can claim. Gabriel Bortoleto is one of them.
His defining moment? A last-to-first victory at Monza, which catapulted him into Sauber’s radar. Sauber CTO Mattia Binotto describes the race as the moment he knew Bortoleto was special.
“It’s that type of drive that convinces you the talent and potential are there.”
With Audi taking over Sauber in 2026, Bortoleto’s long-term future is already secured—and the team believes he has the mindset of a future champion.
“He impressed me not just with his driving, but as a person. That’s what makes a champion.”
Isack Hadjar: The Red Bull Junior Who Beat the Odds
For Isack Hadjar, 2024 wasn’t supposed to be his F1 audition—but he turned it into one anyway.
His agonizing end to the F2 title fight, stalling on the grid in the final race, could have crushed his momentum. But his remarkable resilience throughout the season, including a heartbreaking Monaco defeat due to a late Virtual Safety Car, caught the eye of Red Bull.
Head of Red Bull’s Driver Academy Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin, who once engineered Sebastian Vettel, says Hadjar’s career was on the line in 2024.
“Red Bull told him it was his last chance. And he delivered.”
Hadjar now finds himself at Racing Bulls, replacing Yuki Tsunoda, and stepping onto the path that has produced champions like Verstappen, Vettel, and Ricciardo.
The Verdict: Are These Five Ready for F1?
Each of these rookies enters F1 with immense expectations—and as the documentary highlights, they all have the talent, resilience, and drive to make an impact.
Some, like Antonelli and Bearman, have been earmarked as future stars of top-tier teams. Others, like Bortoleto and Hadjar, will have to fight tooth and nail to prove they belong.
But if ‘Rookies’ makes one thing clear—it’s that this new generation is coming, and they’re coming fast.