As Formula 1 gears up for the 2025 season, one storyline generating significant buzz is the influx of six rookies entering the grid. Among the highly anticipated newcomers is Mercedes’ prodigy Kimi Antonelli, but not everyone sees him as the standout rookie to watch. Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso recently weighed in, naming Gabriel Bortoleto, his protégé and the reigning Formula 2 champion, as the top rookie for the upcoming season.
Alonso Praises Bortoleto’s Credentials
Alonso, who also manages the Brazilian rookie, lavished praise on Bortoleto’s back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2. Speaking about his star pupil, Alonso pointed out that Bortoleto’s ability to dominate in equal machinery sets him apart:
“In his season as a rookie in F3 he was champion, and the same happened in F2. I know there’s a lot of talk about the young generation: they’re all very talented, but the best is Gabriel. He proved it on the track with the same car.”
This high praise comes as Bortoleto prepares to make his F1 debut with Sauber, a team that finished at the bottom of the standings in 2024, scoring just four points. While Sauber’s performance may limit Bortoleto’s ability to match his rookie peers in terms of results, Alonso made it clear that this shouldn’t overshadow the Brazilian’s talent.
“Obviously next year he won’t have the same car as some newcomers, but I hope people don’t forget that he’s better than them. He was and will be.”
Kimi Antonelli and the Hype at Mercedes
While Alonso’s endorsement of Bortoleto is strong, many have their eyes on Kimi Antonelli, who will drive for Mercedes in 2025. The Italian prodigy has dazzled in junior categories, with a reputation for raw speed and precision. However, Antonelli enters F1 under immense pressure, stepping into a team that has struggled to recapture its dominant form in the ground-effect era.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has already tempered expectations, acknowledging that Antonelli’s rookie season will likely have its share of growing pains:
“Sometimes we will tear our hair out versus witnessing moments of brilliance from Antonelli in his rookie F1 season. But it’s also a year of managing expectations for Kimi.”
A Season of Rookies and Rivalries
In addition to Bortoleto and Antonelli, the 2025 rookie class features other promising talents, including Theo Pourchaire (Haas) and Oliver Bearman (Williams). Each will have unique challenges based on their respective team situations, but the spotlight remains on Antonelli and Bortoleto, given their standout junior careers.
Alonso’s Bet on Bortoleto
Alonso’s strong endorsement of Bortoleto not only reflects his confidence in the young Brazilian but also serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by rookies joining smaller teams. Sauber, set to transform into Audi in 2026, is in a transitional phase, and Bortoleto’s ability to shine in suboptimal conditions could be a testament to his resilience and racecraft.
As Alonso pointedly remarked, Bortoleto’s achievements in equal machinery across F3 and F2 should be the true measure of his greatness. Whether he can carry that momentum into F1, especially against rookies with superior equipment, remains one of the most exciting questions heading into the 2025 season.
2025: A New Generation Takes Center Stage
With a grid brimming with talent from both established veterans and hungry newcomers, the 2025 Formula 1 season promises to be a spectacle. As rookies like Bortoleto and Antonelli aim to prove themselves, the spotlight will not only be on their individual performances but also on how well they can navigate the relentless challenges of F1.
For now, Alonso’s confidence in Bortoleto sets the stage for a fascinating rivalry among the sport’s future stars. Will Bortoleto live up to his mentor’s expectations, or will Antonelli steal the spotlight in his Mercedes debut? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.