Verstappen Jokingly Called 'Dad of the Rookies' by Antonelli and Bortoleto

Rookie drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Gabriel Bortoleto have humorously dubbed four-time world champion Max Verstappen the "dad of the rookies," highlighting his supportive role behind the scenes during their debut Formula 1 seasons. Both drivers confirmed Verstappen has offered consistent advice and encouragement, a gesture that has helped them navigate the intense pressures of their first year on the grid.

Why it matters:

In a sport known for its cutthroat competition, a reigning champion taking an active, supportive interest in newcomers is a significant departure from the norm. Verstappen's mentorship provides a crucial psychological boost for rookies facing immense scrutiny and steep learning curves, potentially fostering a more collaborative environment among drivers across the grid.

The details:

• Gabriel Bortoleto, a friend of Verstappen through shared sim-racing interests, noted the Red Bull driver has given him "quite a lot of support in the background," alongside encouragement from other veterans like Fernando Alonso.
• Kimi Antonelli revealed Verstappen reached out with support after the Italian driver received online abuse following an on-track incident with Lando Norris in Qatar.
• Antonelli emphasized the support wasn't exclusive to Verstappen, noting Lewis Hamilton and other established drivers have also embraced the large rookie class this season.
• Both rookies also credited their families as a foundational support system throughout the challenging year.

The big picture:

This dynamic underscores a subtle shift in the driver ecosystem. While rivalry remains the core of F1, Verstappen's established dominance may afford him the security to guide the next generation—a role often associated with veterans in the twilight of their careers. His actions, coupled with similar gestures from other top drivers, suggest a growing recognition of the collective challenge rookies face in modern F1, which could improve the overall welfare and development of young talent entering the sport.

What's next:

With their rookie seasons concluding, both Antonelli (Mercedes) and Bortoleto (Audi/Sauber) are confirmed for their sophomore campaigns. The foundation of support built this year, including the unofficial mentorship from champions, will be tested as expectations rise and the challenge shifts from adaptation to consistent point-scoring and development.