Alonso says Bortoleto is F1's best rookie for 2025

Fernando Alonso has stated that recent Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto is the very best rookie on the Formula 1 grid for 2025.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli will make his eagerly awaited Mercedes debut next yr, Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan will proceed their stints in 2024, driving full-time for Haas and Alpine respectively, while Bortoleto has been signed by Sauber alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

- Advertisement -

In addition to this quartet, Isack Hadjar can also be fighting for a spot within the RB squad if Sergio Perez leaves the Red Bull stable, with a choice expected this week.

All five drivers have a proven track record – Bearman won two Formula 4 championships and was a race winner in Formula 3 and Formula 2, while Doohan and Hadjar finished in the highest three of the F2 standings. A champion of 4 single-seater championships, Antonelli is widely thought to be a generational talent, although he only finished sixth in his maiden F2 season this yr after making the difficult jump straight from Formula Regional.

According to Alonso, whose teen's profession is managed by A14 Management, he will not be on par together with his Brazilian counterpart.

“He's the best,” said the two-time Formula 1 world champion, before pointing to Bortoleto's credentials: “In his debut season in F3, he was a champion. In his debut season in F2 he was champion.

Gabriel Bortoleto, Stake F1 KICK Sauber C44 team

Photo: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

“I do know there may be numerous talk in regards to the young generation – next yr there will probably be many debutants, all very talented, but the very best is Gabriel. He showed it on the track with the identical cars.

“Of course next yr he may not have the identical automobile as a number of the rookies, but I hope people won't forget that he is healthier than them. He was and will probably be [be]”

Bortoleto has only two F2 wins this season – fewer than rivals Hadjar and Bearman, the identical number as Antonelli – however the Invicta man has been by far probably the most consistent driver within the championship.

He finished 21 of the last 22 races in the highest 10, including the last seven in the highest five, which was key to overcoming Hadjar's 35.5-point deficit because the title race got here to an end.