Formula 1’s landscape is set for a shake-up in 2025 with a fresh cohort of rookies expected to take the grid by storm. Of these promising newcomers, Fernando Alonso has voiced his strong belief in Gabriel Bortoleto as the standout talent. The reigning Formula 2 champion is set to join Sauber alongside veteran Nico Hulkenberg, making headlines as he steps into the pinnacle of motorsport.
A Competitive Rookie Class
The 2025 Formula 1 season marks the debut of several highly anticipated talents. Among them is Andrea Kimi Antonelli, already turning heads with his debut for Mercedes. Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan aim to build on their 2024 part-time appearances with full-time roles at Haas and Alpine, respectively. There’s also buzz around Isack Hadjar potentially securing a seat with Red Bull Racing, should Sergio Perez leave the team. Each of these drivers brings a wealth of success from junior categories, but it is Bortoleto who has captured Alonso’s endorsement as the cream of the crop.
Why Bortoleto Stands Out
Alonso, a double Formula 1 world champion, has watched Bortoleto’s rise with keen interest. In particular, he has noted Bortoleto’s impressive track record. “He’s the best,” Alonso declared, highlighting the Brazilian’s consecutive titles in both Formula 3 and Formula 2 during their rookie seasons. This performance exceeds those of Antonelli, Bearman, Doohan, and Hadjar, despite each having their own accomplishments.
Alonso’s assessment is not without reason. Bortoleto demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout his Formula 2 campaign. Only Antonelli and Hadjar took more wins, but Bortoleto’s 21 top-ten finishes from the final 22 races, including a consecutive streak of top-five results, underpinned his championship charge against Hadjar.
Bortoleto’s Challenges Ahead
Despite Bortoleto’s talent, Alonso advises caution for the 2025 season. “Next year he will maybe not have the same car as some of the rookies,” Alonso remarked, hinting at the potential disparity in team performance impacting Bortoleto’s results. However, Alonso remains unflinching in his belief that Bortoleto will continue to prove himself as superior. “I hope people do not forget that he’s better than them. He was and he will be,” Alonso affirmed.
While the Formula 1 landscape offers varying levels of competition, Bortoleto’s ability to extract maximum performance from his machinery will be keenly observed. His journey offers excitement not just for Sauber, but for the fans eager to see new talents challenge the status quo.
2025: A Season of Promise
With Bortoleto and his fellow rookies taking centre stage, the upcoming season promises to be an exhilarating one. Each driver brings their own story and potential to the grid, adding layers of intrigue to an already dynamic sport. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these fresh faces settle into their roles.
Will Bortoleto rise to Alonso’s endorsement, or will another rookie steal the limelight? As the new season beckons, a thrilling narrative awaits, with new alliances, rivalries, and history waiting to be etched into the annals of Formula 1.
