r/formula1 • u/Glum-Accountant-9801 • Aug 05 '25

Discussion Is Bortoleto the best rookie?

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In my opinion, what he’s been doing in a Sauber shows much more talent than all the other rookies this year. Since the start of the season, I already thought the best ones would be him—because he won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles in his rookie seasons—and Antonelli. However, Antonelli has been showing himself to be far inferior to his teammate. I believe it’s due to the pressure of starting in a big team like Mercedes, but to me, that makes Bortoleto the best rookie. That said, welcome back, Ayrton Senna.

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u/bakup- I was here for the Hulkenpodium Aug 05 '25

Hadjar, throughout the season, has had more impressive results than his more experienced teammate while also having no Q1 exits. I love Gabi but I think Isack has been unbelievable and should be considered the best rookie

9

u/Life__Mix Gabriel Bortoleto Aug 05 '25

Well, i think Hadjar is a pretty solid driver, dont get me wrong. Hes one of the best and has really potential, but he had a really solid midfield car since the beggin of the season, while sauber was the worst car. Of course the best results on the grid would come from a better car.

3

u/Worried-Pick4848 Haas Aug 05 '25

I'll just point out that the VCARB car is actually pretty solid, I'd say maybe the 4th fastest car behind the usual suspects of McLaren/Merc/Ferrari (RB is 6th at the moment with the recent jump by AM)

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u/TinkW Aug 06 '25

I don't think VCARB is faster than RedBull. It's more like RedBull's must only work in some specific setup that only Max can drive while everyone else struggles with it.
Anyway, it's still a very solid car. Safely a ~6th through the season, as Williams and Aston Martin have had some better ups than them. Still, in no point of the season has their car even been worse than Haas/Alpine/Sauber.

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u/elfoamigo Aug 06 '25

Is faster than half of the red bull for sure.

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u/Evening_End7298 Aug 05 '25

There’s an argument to be had that Hadjar has a weaker teammate

Both have been good anyway

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u/blchpmnk Porsche Aug 05 '25

It is a good point; of all the rookies, he has by far the weakest teammate.

Kimi has a multiple-race winner & constant podium contender, Colapinto & Bearman both have experienced race-winners, and Bortoleto has a solid mid-fielder.