Last updated: 27/10/2025

With just five races remaining in the 2025 season, the spotlight on the 2025 F1 rookies is more intense than ever. Even in a rookie year meant for learning, a few names are already standing out. In this post, we’ll dig into who’s impressed the most, what’s working, and who still has room to grow.

🛞 The Rookie Lineup: Who’s in the 2025 Class?

Before diving into performance, here’s a quick refresher on the 2025 Formula 1 rookies:

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
• Oliver Bearman (Haas)
• Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
• Jack Doohan (Alpine)
• Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber / Kick Sauber)
• Liam Lawson (Red Bull / Racing Bulls rotation)

Some came with more expectations than others. For instance, Antonelli was thrust directly into a high-pressure Mercedes seat, replacing Lewis Hamilton, which drew significant attention. Meanwhile, others like Bortoleto entered with less fanfare but a chance to prove themselves quietly over the season.

🔍 Best 2025 F1 Rookies: Who’s Outperformed?

Let’s break down standout rookies by metrics and moments:

Kimi Antonelli: The Front-Runner

No surprise to see him at the top of many “Best 2025 F1 Rookies” lists.

• He secured a sprint pole in Miami, becoming the youngest pole-sitter in any F1 format.

   

• He’s already scored a podium finish (3rd in Canada), making him one of the youngest ever to stand on the rostrum.

   

• He’s been remarkably consistent, with points finishes in most rounds and competitive quali performances.

   

Antonelli’s early-season crashes and adaptation issues have been noted, but the upside is clear.

Oliver Bearman: Fast Learner

Bearman has adapted quickly to F1’s intensity.

• He’s picked up points in multiple races, often extracting performance from Haas beyond expectations. Most recently, he had an amazing race in Mexico, finishing 4th and holding off the mighty McLaren with Oscar Piastri behind the wheel.

   

• His qualifying-to-race deltas have shown he can maximize race pace even when he doesn’t start near the front.

   

Isack Hadjar: Quiet Consistency

Of the rookie crop, Hadjar may not grab headlines as often, but he’s delivered solid results.

• He has scored points in several rounds and shown race maturity beyond expectations. From a DNS in Australia to a podium in the Netherlands, Hadjar has come a long way.

   

• In some power rankings, he’s held the top spot among rookies thanks to consistency and fewer high-variance mistakes.

   

Others: Still Hunting Breakthroughs

• Jack Doohan struggled to find consistent form, lagging behind teammates and rookies alike which caused him to lose his seat to Franco Colapinto.

   

• Gabriel Bortoleto often battling the limitations of his Sauber machinery, but has shown great promise with strong racecraft.

   

Liam Lawson has shown flashes – strong qualifying in some races – but inconsistency, strategic missteps, and team shuffles have hampered his rookie year.

📊 What Makes a Rookie “Best Performer”?

Here are the key traits separating the stronger rookies this season:

• Consistency in scoring – not just occasional flashes
• Qualifying vs race pace balance – ability to carry speed into races
• Racecraft under pressure – overtakes, managing traffic, strategy
• Teammate comparison – holding ground or beating more experienced drivers
• Adaptability – learning circuits quickly and reducing mistakes

These are all traits we see mirrored most strongly in Antonelli, Bearman, and Hadjar so far.

🔮 Looking Ahead: Who Can Close Strong?

With five races left, these rookies have a chance to cement their reputation:

• Antonelli is the benchmark – if he can finish strong, he’ll have one of the more impressive rookie seasons ever.

• Bearman can challenge for “best rookie” honors if consistency holds and he avoids errors.

• Hadjar is in the contention for a strong finish with VCarb, looking to get the promotion to the 2nd seat at Red Bull.

Bortoleto and Lawson must find momentum in qualifying or capitalize on attrition to climb.

✅ Conclusion

As the 2025 season winds down, the 2025 F1 rookies who’ve made the biggest impression are those blending speed, consistency, and composure. Kimi Antonelli leads the charge with pole records and podiums under his belt, Oliver Bearman is proving he belongs, and Isack Hadjar is showing the quiet promise of growth. The others still have time – and five races is plenty to shake up expectations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is the best rookie in 2025 so far?
By most accounts, Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the pack among 2025 rookies, with strong qualifying, race results, and consistency. Of course, he has the best car by a mile as well. Nevertheless, impressive showing from the young Italian.

Q: Which other 2025 F1 rookies have impressed?
Oliver Bearman and Isack Hadjar are commonly cited as standout rookies beyond Antonelli.

Q: Can a rookie still win a race this season?
It’s unlikely given team hierarchies and resource gaps, but exceptional performances or chaotic races can always open a window.

Q: Do rookie performances affect future seasons?
Absolutely – strong rookie seasons can attract better seats, more investment, and higher expectations going into 2026.

Q: Will this rookie class be remembered?
If Antonelli’s trajectory continues, paired with Bearman, Hadjar, or a late surge from another rookie, 2025 could be celebrated as one of the more exciting rookie classes in recent memory.