The Formula 1 grid for 2025 sees six new faces ready to tackle their first season. In the first weekend of the year, they all proved to have two things in common: let's go through them together.
Quick...
In Melbourne, each of the rookie drivers has already expressed their speed: Bortoleto beat Hulkenberg in qualifying, Hadjar came close to getting into Q3, Doohan was ahead of Gasly for most of the weekend (before encountering a yellow flag); not to mention Antonelli's majestic comeback and Bearman's Sunday spent just a few seconds behind Ocon.
The only one for whom the same can not be said is Liam Lawson, who has already proven himself to be quick in the 11 grand prix raced between 2023 and 2024. He will have to prove himself again with Red Bull, but there is no doubt that he is naturally fast.
...But immature
On the other hand, as was also foreseeable, everyone made at least one mistake: Bortoleto, Lawson and Doohan ended the race before the chequered flag, Hadjar crashed on the formation lap, Bearman made two mistakes in free practice and Kimi Antonelli was seen making a 360° spin that, however spectacular, cost him time.
Yeah, time. A key word for rookies, especially in modern Formula 1, where testing is limited. All the 2025 rookies have shown their speed, their potential, while confirming that they will need time to fully express themselves.
In the history of Formula 1 there have been rookies and rookies, from Hamilton touching the World Championship to Sargeant barely scoring a point. Only time will tell what this year's six rookies are worth, but one thing is certain: the first indication from Australia are interesting.
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Cover Image (Doohan) x.com
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Australian GP 2025
