Isack Hadjar Beats Bearman to 2025 Rookie of the Year Honors

The 2025 F1 season's highly competitive rookie class has been decided, with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar taking the top honor despite a disastrous start. He narrowly beat Ferrari's Oliver Bearman in a tightly contested battle that showcased the immense depth of new talent. The rankings, based on season-long performance, highlight a year of dramatic turnarounds and raw speed for the six drivers who started the campaign.

Why it matters:

The performance of this rookie class offers a crucial glimpse into the future of Formula 1, identifying which young drivers are ready to challenge the established order. Hadjar's promotion to Red Bull and Bearman's raw speed, despite inconsistencies, signal a significant influx of talent that could reshape the grid. These results will shape team strategies and driver market dynamics heading into the 2026 season and beyond.

The details:

• 1st - Isack Hadjar (6.7): After crashing on the formation lap in Melbourne, Hadjar mounted a stunning comeback. His season was defined by resilience, culminating in a maiden podium in Zandvoort and a well-deserved promotion to the senior Red Bull team.
• 2nd - Oliver Bearman (6.6): The Ferrari driver showcased breathtaking natural pace, highlighted by a sublime fourth place in Mexico City. However, his season was marred by inconsistency and costly mistakes, including a pit lane crash at Silverstone, putting him at risk of a race ban due to super license points.
• 3rd - Kimi Antonelli (6.5): The Mercedes star experienced a U-shaped season, starting strong before a mid-season slump. He fought back to secure three podiums and notably outperformed George Russell to finish second in Sao Paulo, proving his immense potential.
• 4th - Liam Lawson (5.8): A brutal start with the senior team led to a move back to Racing Bulls, which seemingly saved his career. He steadily improved, matching his teammate's pace and ultimately securing his 2026 seat by outperforming Yuki Tsunoda.
• 5th - Gabriel Bortoleto (5.6): The Stake driver delivered a solid, if unspectacular, rookie season. He built momentum over the summer and ended the year tied with Nico Hülkenberg in their qualifying head-to-head, providing a strong foundation for his second year.
• 6th - Franco Colapinto (4.3): Replacing Jack Doohan mid-season, Colapinto struggled to adapt at Alpine. While he failed to score points, he progressively closed the gap to Pierre Gasly, doing enough to earn a contract extension for 2026.

What's next:

The 2026 season will be a critical test for this talented group. Hadjar will face immense pressure in a top Red Bull seat, while Bearman and Antonelli will be expected to mature into consistent frontrunners for Ferrari and Mercedes. For Lawson, Bortoleto, and Colapinto, the focus will be on converting their potential into regular points and establishing themselves as reliable midfield contenders.