In a dramatic season finale at Abu Dhabi, Gabriel Bortoleto cemented his place as the future of Formula 1, capturing the Formula 2 championship and earning a coveted spot on the 2025 F1 grid. The Brazilian prodigy, managed by Fernando Alonso’s A14 Management, will partner Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next season. Bortoleto wasted no time, debuting with the team during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, leaving fans eager to see him in action.
But the 2025 F1 rookie class is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. Joining Bortoleto are Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, and Jack Doohan, a quartet of fresh talent ready to shake up the grid. Yet, in the eyes of two-time F1 World Champion Alonso, there’s no contest.
“He’s the best,” Alonso declared. “He was F3 champion as a rookie. F2 champion as a rookie. Among the new generation of drivers, there’s a lot of talent, but Gabriel is the standout. He’s shown it on the track with equal machinery.”
Bortoleto’s Road to Glory
Bortoleto’s journey to F2 glory wasn’t marked by the sheer number of wins but by his remarkable consistency. While Red Bull Racing junior Isack Hadjar claimed four wins, Bortoleto’s strategic mastery and adaptability ensured he secured the championship. His two victories were complemented by a series of podium finishes, edging out his competitors in a nail-biting season.
Bearman, who scored three wins in 2024, and Antonelli, with two victories, showcased flashes of brilliance but couldn’t match Bortoleto’s unwavering form.
Rookies Ready to Shine
The 2025 grid will also see Mercedes usher in a new era as Andrea Kimi Antonelli replaces the legendary Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli, sixth in the 2024 F2 championship, brings undeniable talent and carries the weight of stepping into Hamilton’s storied seat.
Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman will make his full-time debut with Haas after a series of impressive stand-in performances in 2024. Bearman replaced Carlos Sainz at Ferrari during the Saudi Arabian GP due to surgery and stepped in twice for Kevin Magnussen at Haas, showcasing his adaptability and readiness for the main stage.
Jack Doohan completes the rookie roster, joining Alpine after stepping in for Esteban Ocon during the Frenchman’s swansong at Abu Dhabi. Doohan’s promotion signifies Alpine’s commitment to nurturing young talent, especially in the wake of their managerial shake-ups.
Alonso’s Unwavering Faith
Alonso’s praise for Bortoleto sets high expectations. “He won in identical machinery, proving he’s the best of this generation,” Alonso emphasized. “While he may not have the same car as other rookies next season, I hope people remember his potential.”
Despite Alonso’s confidence, Bortoleto faces an uphill battle. Sauber, transitioning to Audi works status in 2026, may not immediately provide him with the machinery to rival the likes of Mercedes or Red Bull-backed rookies. However, Alonso’s endorsement ensures Bortoleto enters F1 with a spotlight firmly on him.
The Dawn of a New Era
As the 2025 season approaches, this influx of young talent promises to reshape the grid dynamics. With Bortoleto leading the charge and the likes of Antonelli, Bearman, and Doohan hot on his heels, fans are poised for an electrifying battle not just among the rookies but across the championship.
The stakes are high, the talent is undeniable, and the future of Formula 1 looks brighter than ever.
