Promising Debuts and Rising Stars: The Future of Formula One
Meet the Young Talents Shaping the Future of Formula One.
What began with many grid spots up for grabs, has now turned into an (almost) completed line-up for the 2025 season. As more seats are filled, we witness new and familiar faces on the grid. History is being made with many young drivers who are currently and soon to be on the grid. This is the future of Formula One.
Jack Doohan
With Esteban Ocon joining the Haas team next season, it was announced earlier this month that Jack Doohan would replace the French driver in the 2025 season. Doohan is the current Alpine reserve driver and was a part of the team’s junior academy. Impressing the team with his third-place finish in the 2023 Formula 2 championship, he was finally promoted to an F1 seat. On-going with testing at the end of the 2023 season, the Aussie advanced to the reserve team. During the 2024 season, Doohan participated in practice sessions during the Montreal and Silverstone Grand Prix.
“I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with BWT Alpine F1 Team. I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management.”
Jack Doohan will be the third Aussie on the F1 grid, followed by VCARB driver Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren driver Oscar Piastri. The first race of the 2025 season will take place on his home soil, in Melbourne, Australia.
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/40960215/alpine-promote-driver-jack-doohan-full-seat-2025
https://www.alpine-cars.co.uk/formula-1/f1-news/jack-doohan-journey-to-f1.html
Kimi Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli has all eyes on him. With seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes at the end of the season, Antonelli was selected to fill in the empty seat. His rise to stardom did not come so easily, however. The Italian showcased his talent by winning both the ADAC and Italian F4 in 2022. The next year, he went on to win the Formula Regional European Championship. With such a skill, he skipped F3 and made his way into F2 with PREMA Racing. It is important to note that Antonelli has always held close connections with Mercedes, as he has been the Mercedes Junior Team Driver since 2019.
“I’m super happy, I want to thank massively Mercedes and all the people who made it possible and of course also my family because they’ve been so important for me, and such a big part in my journey. I can’t wait to get started.”
Following his first practice session in Monza, he was announced as the Mercedes driver for the 2025 season. He is set to join alongside current driver George Russell. In a recent interview, Russell states, “I’m really excited to be partnering with Kimi for 2025. His record in junior formula has been formidable and his promotion is truly deserved. He’s a fantastic young talent and a fellow graduate of our junior programme.”
Oliver Bearman
While he would not be racing in F1 until 2025, Oliver Bearman had his first F1 debut in Saudi Arabia. Filling in for Carlos Sainz, the Brit gave it his all, putting six points to his name. With his recent rise to fame, he was declared as a Haas driver for the 2025 season. Without a doubt, his race in Saudi Arabia put much optimism towards his name. However, this is not the only thing he is notable for. Bearman has claimed the championships for both the ADAC and Italian F4 racing series. Since 2022, he has been a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much this means to me. To say out loud that I will be a Formula 1 driver for Haas F1 Team makes me so immensely proud.”
It only took four out of six confirmed practice sessions to claim a seat in Formula One, however following the recent ban of Kevin Magnussen, Oliver Bearman will take his place and race for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Will he be able to place more points towards his name?
Franco Colapinto
Only driving for half of this season, it would feel incomplete to not include this one impressive driver. Franco Colapinto, driving for Williams Racing, has brought much excitement to the grid. With the unexpected departure of American driver Logan Sargeant, this new driver had brought promising results for his new team. Between claiming the Spanish F4 championship and taking fourth in the F3 championship, he is certainly a remarkable driver. As of 2023, Colapinto has been a member of the Williams Driver Academy. At the end of August, it was announced that Logan Sargeant would depart from Williams, and Franco Colapinto would fill in for the rest of the season.
“I’m very happy, it was a good race. I’m still processing everything. It’s the kind of moment you’ll remember forever, your first F1 race.”
Quickly getting his first out the door, his first F1 race was in Monza, Italy. While his practice sessions were not too impressive, he redeemed himself during the race, placing 12th overall. Already off to a wonderful start, the Argentinian driver carries a stress-free season, as he will not be fighting for the Williams seat. His new teammate, Alex Albon, shared much praise for his new partner, stating, “In some ways I think it’s just a bit of experience. I don’t know what Franco’s going to do next year, but the things you learn in F1 can help you a lot, let’s say if he does another year in Formula 2. Enjoy it!”
https://www.williamsf1.com/drivers/166eeda8-9b09-4886-97b7-26021dad8b77/Franco-Colapinto
https://buenosairesherald.com/sports/dream-f1-debut-for-franco-colapinto-after-qualifying-woes