Mid-season review: which rookie comes out on top?
The 2025 Formula 1 season marks a generational turning point: never before has the grid featured so many young talents arriving at the same time. At mid-season, between promises fulfilled and disappointments, it's time to take stock of the rookies who are already shaping the future of the paddock.
Kimi Antonelli, the Italian prodigy who confirms
At just 18 years old, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is having an impressive first half of the season with Mercedes. With 63 points on the board and several regular top 6 finishes, he exceeds all expectations. Fastest lap in the race, temporary leadership during the Canadian Grand Prix, tire management worthy of a veteran… The Italian is on track to become the youngest driver to step onto a podium since Max Verstappen. At this pace, Mercedes may have already found their successor to Lewis Hamilton.
« Kimi is not a rookie like the others. He has above-average racing intelligence », according to Toto Wolff.
Isack Hadjar, the pleasant surprise at Racing Bulls
Little expected at this level from the outset, Isack Hadjar impresses with 21 points and several top 10 finishes (Miami, Japan, Spain). Even better: he dominates his teammate Liam Lawson, who is more experienced. His calm and speed have already earned him rumors… at Red Bull for 2026.
The Frenchman scores more than 60% of his team’s points and establishes himself as a true leader at Racing Bulls.
Ollie Bearman solid, but discreet
At Haas, Ollie Bearman has not yet dazzled the season with his talent, but he shows great consistency. With 6 points, he has already scored three times (Japan, China, Bahrain) and often starts ahead of his teammate Esteban Ocon. His quick adaptation to qualifying formats is praised.
Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto under scrutiny
In trouble at Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson has only accumulated 4 points and is clearly dominated by Isack Hadjar. Too discreet in qualifying, inconsistent in races, his future within the Red Bull ranks is uncertain. He was ousted at Red Bull after just two races, enough to shatter a driver’s confidence.
The same observation goes for Franco Colapinto at Alpine, who replaced Jack Doohan mid-season but has not yet scored any points. The Argentine has shown promising skills but will need to capitalize by the summer. For now, it’s Pierre Gasly who is keeping the team afloat.
Gabriel Bortoleto and Jack Doohan: an (almost) blank season
On the Sauber side, Gabriel Bortoleto is unable to get his car off the ground. Despite clean driving, he can’t realize his potential, even though he is the F2 champion of the 2024 season, ahead of Isack Hadjar. The same fate for Jack Doohan, dropped by Alpine after six Grand Prix without results. A decision that has caused discontent in the paddock.
« This is not the way to treat a rookie », several drivers criticized regarding Jack Doohan.
Read also: Mid-season report: The duels between teammates
