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Andrea Kimi Antonelli – 6th, 38 points
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s journey in Formula 1 is shaping up to be a captivating mix of challenges and triumphs during his inaugural season. At just 18 years old, he is grappling with the complexity of the new regulations while striving to showcase his potential amidst a steep learning curve. Over the last five races, Antonelli has experienced both ups and downs, having faced difficult weekends and demonstrating his substantial talent in others.
His performance in Bahrain, where Mercedes opted for a three-stop strategy, wasn’t ideal, yet he proved his worth by finishing fourth in the unpredictable conditions of the Australian Grand Prix. This debut result displayed that he could compete effectively despite the challenges of managing tires and adapting to the intricate ground-effect cars. Facing teammate George Russell, who is enjoying a strong season, Antonelli may have hoped to avoid a 6-0 qualifying disadvantage, but acknowledging Russell’s form is essential for accurate context.
What Antonelli is saying
“The triple-header was a solid test for me, both physically and mentally, providing invaluable learning experiences across three distinct tracks. I need to refine my skills, particularly on surfaces with higher degradation. However, I found it beneficial to analyze my tire management in Jeddah based on my experiences in Bahrain. With a week off ahead, I plan to reflect on my performance to strengthen my approach moving forward.”
Oliver Bearman – 13th, 6 points
Oliver Bearman has entered the Formula 1 scene as a full-time driver, though his debut in Melbourne was overshadowed by a few missteps, including a spin during practice and another in the race. Nevertheless, according to Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu, Bearman’s true capabilities emerged as he regained his footing, reminiscent of his previous stint in 2024.
Meanwhile, Bearman has consistently outperformed seasoned teammate Esteban Ocon in qualifying. Their collaboration has seen Haas finish the early part of the season competitively, boasting 20 points—half attributed to Ocon’s strong performance in China. Bearman’s consistent scoring in three subsequent races amidst intense mid-field rivalries suggests that Haas has made a wise investment in the pair.
What Bearman is saying
“I’m satisfied with how the season has progressed. While Australia presented challenges, we quickly adapted and introduced a minor upgrade to the car that enhanced our performance. The midfield competition is incredibly tight, which requires precision on every lap. Transitioning from F2 to F1, I was eager to maximize my practice time. Each lap is crucial, making it exciting to compete in such a close battle. It pushes me to perform at my best, which is why I’m here.”
Isack Hadjar – 14th, 5 points
Entering Formula 1, Isack Hadjar, despite initial low expectations, has begun to emerge as a promising contender, potentially fitting into the Red Bull framework. Although his Australian race included a dramatic start with a formation lap exit, he has shown resilience, narrowly missing out on points due to strategic decisions in China, before finally achieving an eighth-place finish in Japan.
Hadjar’s situation has evolved significantly following teammate changes that highlighted his status as the lead driver for the Racing Bulls. While Liam Lawson is gaining ground, Hadjar’s performance has set a high standard. His swift adaptation to the Formula 1 environment, following a successful F2 season, showcases his potential.
What Hadjar is saying
“My passion for racing drives me, and I was not deterred by the challenges faced in Melbourne. My initial races were about acclimatization and gaining rhythm, and now, after a busy stretch, I have time to analyze and enhance my performance. I am focused on identifying areas for improvement as we move forward.”
Jack Doohan – 19th, 0 points
Jack Doohan’s debut season has been punctuated by significant pressure, particularly following Alpine’s late decision to recruit Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver, which escalated scrutiny around Doohan’s performance. Despite this, he has managed to maintain composure under the spotlight.
On the track, Doohan’s results have been inconsistent, marked by several crashes that could have been avoided. Yet, he has exhibited commendable speed, positioning him favorably against more experienced drivers like Pierre Gasly. This raw pace is crucial as discussions of a potential replacement have quieted in recent weeks.
As of now, it appears Doohan will retain his seat for upcoming races, including Miami, although the pressure to secure results is mounting, especially with Gasly having tapped into the potential of the 2025 car.
What Doohan is saying
“I’m pleased that we’ve had moments of speed in recent rounds, indicating potential for success as we learn to consolidate those aspects. My focus remains on aligning with the team’s objectives to get up to speed as quickly as possible, ensuring we can achieve great results together.”
Gabriel Bortoleto – 20th, 0 points
Among this year’s rookie drivers, Gabriel Bortoleto has encountered the toughest circumstances, piloting the least competitive car on the grid at Sauber. Despite finishing 14th in China and facing challenges to secure better positions, his spirited performances indicate resilience in the face of adversity.
Although the results have not been favorable, Bortoleto has held his own in qualifying, boasting a favorable record against teammate Nico Hulkenberg. The transition from being a champion in feeder series to competing at the back of the F1 grid has been challenging, yet his impressive work ethic has caught the attention of his team, especially after setbacks like a fuel leak in Jeddah during practice sessions.
What Bortoleto is saying
“Formula 1 is a continual learning process. While I still need to gain more confidence with the car, I’m aware that I’m not far from achieving my goals. It can be frustrating to have the results not reflect my efforts, but I recognize that my teammate and I are closely matched. I feel I’m in a good place for growth, but there is always room for improvement.”
Source
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