Five fresh faces are heading to Formula 1 in 2025, setting up what could be the most exciting rookie battle in years.
Racing legend Juan Pablo Montoya thinks it’ll come down to two standouts: 18-year-old Oliver Bearman at Haas F1 and Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who’s stepping into some pretty big shoes at Mercedes.
“Ollie Bearman is probably the guy that’s done the best job out of all of them,” Montoya told Instant Casino. “And I think he’s probably in the best position out of all of them.”
Bearman’s already gotten a taste of F1 action, and his impressive performance in junior racing has caught everyone’s attention.
But it’s Antonelli who’s facing the tougher challenge. He’s not just joining any team – he’s filling the seat left by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
“The opportunity is amazing,” Montoya says, “but the hype around him, the way the team built him up to justify that he’s replacing Lewis as the next great thing…” He leaves that thought hanging.
The pressure on the young Italian is enormous.
“He is either going to be a massive star, or it’s going to be a tough thing to watch,” Montoya explains. “And you’re going against, right now, a very complete George [Russell].”
The Colombian racing veteran seems particularly impressed with Bearman’s approach to racing. “His maturity goes a long way. I think his approach looks very good.”
With five rookies hitting the track in 2025, we’re in for some exciting racing as these young drivers try to prove themselves in the world’s most prestigious motorsport series.
