Max Verstappen on F1 rookies has drawn significant attention as he identifies Gabriel Bortoleto and Kimi Antonelli as the standout talents of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Verstappen, the current world champion, has highlighted these two young drivers for their remarkable skill, igniting discussions about the future of the sport and its next generation of stars.
Verstappen Champions Bortoleto and Antonelli as Key Figures
This season, Max Verstappen singled out Bortoleto and Antonelli, describing them as the drivers to watch from the new crop of rookies entering Formula 1. These newcomers, emerging as potential rivals within the racing world, were recognized by Verstappen for their impressive natural ability and quick adaptation to the top tier of motorsport. Both have backgrounds not only on the track but within the digital racing community, adding to their unique paths into Formula 1. Verstappen’s connection to them was strengthened through shared experience in sim racing, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect.
Mentorship and Camaraderie in the F1 Paddock
Throughout the previous season, Verstappen took on an informal mentor role for the emerging drivers. He frequently interacted with Bortoleto and Antonelli, offering advice and personal insights about navigating the pressures of international racing. Verstappen explained his relationship with the rookies, stating,
“No, not really. It’s also not that I necessarily asked for that,”
— Max Verstappen, World Champion. He went on to elaborate on the natural development of these bonds:
“But that just goes very naturally now. Those guys also come a bit from the sim world. You know each other a bit from that. Then you already have a bit more of a connection.”
— Max Verstappen, World Champion.
The supportive atmosphere created by Verstappen has been clear, with him referring to the young drivers as “super nice guys” whom he genuinely likes engaging with. This nurturing setting is playing a critical role as the rookies strive to assert themselves on the big stage.
Season Highlights and Standout Performances
As fans closely followed the action, standouts among the rookies included not only Bortoleto and Antonelli but also Isack Hadjar, Verstappen’s new teammate. Both Antonelli and Hadjar made notable appearances on the podium during the season, earning praise for their ability to compete with experienced field members. Assessing the rookie class, Verstappen acknowledged the challenges in judging their performances given differences in team dynamics and machinery, commenting,
“That’s hard to say. They have all impressed at certain times,”
— Max Verstappen, World Champion. He further recognized the typical learning curves faced by first-year drivers, adding,
“And again, as rookies, they made their mistakes. That’s typical for a rookie. So nobody was completely consistent, but you shouldn’t expect that from a rookie either.”
— Max Verstappen, World Champion.
Bortoleto and Antonelli: Raw Potential and Rising Hopes
Although Verstappen refrained from picking a sole top rookie, he was unequivocal in calling Bortoleto and Antonelli the category’s fastest, stating,
“I think Bortoleto along with Kimi are really the raw talents in terms of potential,”
— Max Verstappen, World Champion. This endorsement further fueled excitement around their career prospects, reinforcing their positions as future leaders within Formula 1.
The Road Ahead for Formula 1’s New Generation
As the remainder of the 2025 season plays out, the attention stays firmly on Bortoleto and Antonelli. Empowered by the confidence placed in them by Verstappen, these young drivers are expected to push even harder, aiming to fulfill the high expectations set before them. With every eye in the motorsport world watching, their journey symbolizes the renewal and evolution of Formula 1, marking the arrival of a promising new wave of talent ready to shape the era to come.
