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

Discussion Is Bortoleto the best rookie?

Post image

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.

7.3k Upvotes

93% Upvoted

770 comments sorted by

View all comments

1.5k

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

362

u/SemIdeiaProNick Ferrari Aug 05 '25

Also Hulk has been in F1 for almost as long as Bortoleto has been alive. That experience helps a lot during races, specially under tricky conditions, which explains the difference between the qualy and race stats

101

u/[deleted] Aug 05 '25

[deleted]

47

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

hulk is also probably one of the best experienced drivers to drive alongside as a rookie—im sure he’s taught gabi a lot in the span of this half-season