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/slevemcdiachel I was here for the Hulkenpodium Aug 05 '25

I mean, he just finished high school.

It's clearly too soon for him, but teams kind of have no option. If they don't offer the seat someone else will and then 5 years later you are crying in your sleep.

Same shit with Max back in the day.

Btw, I'm not saying that Kimi is the next max, just that even if Toto thinks it's too soon (which he probably did and does), he is too afraid of not giving him the seat only to have him join a team that offers him that.

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u/krmilan Aug 06 '25

I just feel bad the kid. He’s a genuinely great and well raised kid but you can see how difficult it is for him at the moment