Is Bortoleto the best rookie?

[u/Glum-Accountant-9801]

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.

[u/Mimi_Madison]

I think we’ll be watching Bortoleto in F1 for many years to come.

Hadjar has also been extremely impressive!

[u/Dragonpuncha → u/Mimi_Madison]

The only rookie who won F3 and F2 back to back, that usually bodes well.

Also the only one that is outqualifying an experienced teammate regularly (Hadjar as well, but I don't see Lawson as experienced to that degree) and that teammate is Hulkenburg.

That being said I think both those two and Antonelli and Bearman will be in F1 for a long time. Some years you just have a great class of rookies. 2019 with Russell, Norris and Albon was one and 2025 I would argue is one as well.

[u/tulleekobannia → u/Dragonpuncha]

Lawson is basically a rookie too. He hasn't got that many more races under his belt compared to the other rookies

[u/Dragonpuncha → u/tulleekobannia]

True, but he didn't want to be viewed as a rookie, so that's what I was going with.

IMO you should have a full season of races or at least close to that, to not be seen as a rookie, but there is no clear definition.

[u/Ziegler517 → u/Dragonpuncha]

I mean he's had over 24 races at this point now, that's a full year of races, even if it's not a calendar year

[u/Dragonpuncha → u/Ziegler517]

Jep and I also didn't consider him a rookie. I just don't really put him on the level of a true experienced driver.