Ralf Runs Rule Over Rookies

Formula 1’s 2025 grid is brimming with fresh blood—six rookies, a chunky 30 percent of the field, the most in over a decade. After 2024’s zero-debut drought, Ralf Schumacher, six-time grand prix winner, has weighed in on the new faces shaking up the paddock. From Red Bull to Sauber, he’s got a take on each, and it’s a mixed bag of pace, promise, and pitfalls.

Three of the six aren’t total greenhorns. Red Bull’s Liam Lawson, stepping in for Max Verstappen’s wingman duties, has 11 races under his belt. Alpine’s Jack Doohan logged one start, while Ferrari-backed Haas rookie Oliver Bearman nabbed three. “Bearman is a top driver who will make life difficult for (Esteban) Ocon,” Schumacher said. The 19-year-old Brit’s got the chops—Ocon’s seasoned, but Bearman’s hungry.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton’s heir at 18, is raw speed with a catch. “Antonelli shows great speed, but must learn to hold back,” Schumacher warned, nodding to the Italian’s Monza practice shunt last year. “But with Toto Wolff, he has a strong mentor at his side who has his back.” Wolff’s steel could tame the kid’s fire—pace alone won’t cut it.

Alpine’s Doohan, though, is on thinner ice. “Doohan is in a difficult position,” Schumacher said. Flavio Briatore’s hovering, Franco Colapinto waiting in the wings. “Without performance, there is no guarantee from Briatore. He will be replaced if the results are not right,” the 49-year-old German added. One slip, and Doohan’s out—Alpine’s not playing soft.

Then there’s the pure rookies—both 20, both untested in F1’s deep end. Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, reigning F2 champ and F3 king before that, faces a steep climb. “Bortoleto has had great success in Formula 3 and Formula 2,” Schumacher said, “but he will have a hard time with Sauber. He has tested the least and it will be tough for him in qualifying against Nico Hulkenberg. He mustn’t try to force it.” Hulkenberg’s a brick wall—Bortoleto’s got to pick his shots.

Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar rounds it out—a wild card with bite. “He is difficult to assess – a super racer with excellent control, strong when overtaking, but also a hot-head,” Schumacher concluded. “He still has a lot to learn, but has a great team and will make life difficult for (Yuki) Tsunoda.” Cool hands, fiery head—Tsunoda’s got a fight coming.

Lawson’s the seasoned pick of the litter, and has Red Bull’s faith. Bearman’s Haas gig, Antonelli’s Mercedes shot, Doohan’s Alpine gamble, Bortoleto’s Sauber grind, Hadjar’s RB hustle—six new guns, six big swings. Schumacher’s seen the circus before; he’s betting on sparks. Bahrain testing’s days away—time to sort the racers from the wrecks.