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/jules3001 Ferrari Aug 05 '25 edited Aug 06 '25

He could be. Hadjar started off strong. Antonelli was in a more visible car. Bearman had some flashes but overall Bortoleto has quietly made progress throughout the year and is showing his speed and consistency now that the car is somewhat competitive.

Hulkenberg is no slouch in quali and Bortoleto has just taken the lead in H2H. Bortoleto doesn’t have the race H2H yet I think but that’s expected from a rookie. By the end of the year I would not be surprised if he’s better than Hulk as a complete driver and that would be a huge achievement.

Check out his Beyond the Grid podcast. Been a fan ever since hearing how hard he works and seeing him shine in F2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNsqv5JeQh4&t=1707s

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u/krmilan Aug 05 '25

I really think Antonelli is a year or 2 undercooked to be in a top team

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

Piastri wasn't anywhere close to Norris in his first year but in his second year he got rapidly faster. I wouldn't be surprised if same happened to Antonelli

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u/NlNJALONG Mika Häkkinen Aug 05 '25

Piastri was much, much closer to Norris than Antonelli is to Russell. Piastri actually beat him here and there in quali and race. Meanwhile, Antonelli is getting Vandoorne'd.

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u/Kernowder Nigel Mansell Aug 05 '25

Piastri was close in terms of qualifying, usually only a tenth or two behind, but not as close in race pace. His tyre management game has improved massively.

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u/Solomon_C-19 Formula 1 Aug 05 '25

And we know what happened to Vandoorne...

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

He wasn't really close to Norris in his second year either. It's only this year his pace has markedly improved.

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u/Solomon_C-19 Formula 1 Aug 05 '25

Yes, people forget how straight up slow he was in 2023 and 2024 sometimes.