Colapinto’s adaptability to different circuits and changing race conditions has already earned him recognition as a dependable points scorer. With his combination of determination, technical skill, and national pride, he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite and a symbol of Argentina’s return to the top tier of motorsport.
Formula 1® Rookies & Rising Stars to Watch Out For in 2026
Rising Formula 1® Stars to Watch Out For in 2026 Across Grands Prix, Sprint Races, Qualifying Battles, and More!
September 26, 2025
The Formula 1 grid is always evolving, and the 2025 season has introduced a fresh crop of exciting young talents who are already making waves. As the championship unfolds, these rising stars are capturing the attention of fans and teams alike – and the buzz is only growing louder as we look ahead to 2026.
Let’s take a look at the young rookies lighting up the paddock already and some new faces we think you should look out for in the coming years.
The 2025 Crop of Rookies
Andrea Kimi Antonelli
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Italian
- Racing for: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
Antonelli is one of the most talked-about rookies this year. At just 18 years old, he’s demonstrated remarkable maturity and speed, regularly scoring points and challenging seasoned drivers like his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
Antonelli has already made history in his rookie F1 season – becoming the youngest driver to lead a Grand Prix, set the fastest lap, and take a sprint pole. He’s also claimed a podium finish in Canada, becoming the first Italian on the Formula 1 podium since 2009, all just weeks after getting his road driving license! His performances suggest he could be a future world champion in the making.
Oliver Bearman
- Age: 20
- Nationality: British & Italian
- Racing for: Haas F1 Team
Despite Haas still working to find consistent form, Oliver Bearman has been a bright spot for the team. Bearman combines fierce determination with a natural racing instinct, showing maturity beyond his years. He often extracts more from the car than expected and has grabbed the attention of Ferrari’s talent scouts – which makes sense, given his history in their junior program. Bearman’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure suggest he could be a future contender once the team’s performance catches up.
Bearman has already shown he’s more than just potential – stepping into Ferrari machinery last year with barely any notice, he scored points on his debut and outperformed seasoned rivals under pressure. With Haas offering him full-time seat time in 2025, he’s getting the platform to turn flashes of brilliance into consistent results and he’s one to watch closely.
Isack Hadjar
- Age: 20
- Nationality: French with Algerian heritage
- Racing for: Racing Bulls F1 Team
French-Algerian talent Isack Hadjar has quickly risen through the ranks with a reputation for fearless overtaking and relentless determination. After showcasing his abilities in Formula 2, he made his long-awaited step into Formula 1, where his aggressive race craft and confidence under pressure have stood out. Driving for Red Bull’s junior team in 2025, Hadjar has faced the challenges of an unpredictable midfield car but consistently delivered eye-catching performances, often fighting above the team’s expectations. His ability to extract pace in tricky conditions and seize opportunities when they arise has already marked him as one to watch.
With his raw speed, bold personality, and growing consistency, Hadjar is shaping up to be one of the next great stars of Formula 1, ready to follow in the footsteps of France’s rich racing legacy.
Gabriel Bortoleto
- Age: 20
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Racing for: Kick Sauber F1 Team
Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto came into Formula 1 after a stunning 2024 F2 championship win, immediately marking himself as a driver with both speed and composure. Though Sauber’s 2025 car hasn’t been a front-runner, Bortoleto has impressed with consistent qualifying efforts and race performances. He excels at maximizing limited opportunities and battling with more experienced drivers, a sign he’s ready for bigger challenges ahead.
Bortoleto’s calm and calculated approach has quickly earned respect on the grid, proving that raw speed isn’t his only weapon. As Sauber develops, expect him to keep pushing boundaries and quietly build a reputation as one of Formula 1’s most promising young talents.
Franco Colapinto
- Age: 22
- Nationality: Argentine
- Racing for: Alpine F1 Team
Argentine driver Franco Colapinto has brought fresh excitement to Formula 1, carrying with him the hopes of a passionate motorsport nation. After proving his skill with standout results in Formula 3 and Formula 2, Colapinto earned his spot on the 2026 grid and wasted no time showcasing his natural talent. Known for his sharp racecraft, tire management, and ability to stay calm under pressure, he has consistently punched above his weight in a highly competitive midfield.
The Next Generation of Stars
Freddie Slater
- Age: 17
- Nationality: British
- Racing for: Formula Regional European Championships with Prema Racing
Freddie Slater’s meteoric rise through the junior ranks has marked him out as one of Britain’s brightest racing prospects. At just 17, the young driver has already built an impressive resumé, dominating karting on the world stage before storming into single-seaters with titles in both the Ginetta Junior and Italian F4 Championships. His ability to adapt quickly and deliver results under pressure has turned heads across the motorsport world.
Slater’s mix of raw pace and race intelligence makes him a standout talent, and his timing couldn’t be better. With Formula 1 teams increasingly looking to nurture the next generation, his rapid development in FRECA and GB3 keeps him firmly in the spotlight. If his current trajectory continues, Freddie Slater looks destined to climb the ladder into Formula 3 and beyond. A young driver whose journey is only just beginning!
Arvid Lindblad
- Age: 18
- Nationality: British and Swedish
- Racing for: FIA Formula 2 Championships for Campos Racing
Arvid Lindblad has shot up the junior ranks with impressive speed, timing, and poise. After dominating karting, he made waves in Formula 4 and then moved into F3 with PREMA, where he racked up multiple wins – notably a clean sweep at Silverstone – and finished the season as the highest-scoring rookie.
Now in his FIA Formula 2 debut season with Campos Racing as a Red Bull Junior, Lindblad’s already proving his mettle. Despite his youth, he’s clinched wins and strong results, showing composure in qualifying and races alike. His consistent rise and ability to deliver strong performances in limited opportunities have made him one of the most exciting talents to watch. With his Super Licence points now in order, Lindblad is eyeing even bigger stages. If this momentum holds up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in a Formula 1 seat soon – the signs are all pointing toward a breakthrough.
Alex Dunne
Age: 19
Nationality: Irish
Racing for: FIA Formula 2 Championships for Rodin Motorsport
As Alex Dunne rapid progress in Formula 2 has caught many eyes, especially as the sport looks to expand with new teams like Cadillac joining the grid in 2026. Dunne’s aggressive style, coupled with mature decision-making, makes him a strong contender for a future race seat. Fans love his fearless approach and natural talent, positioning him as one of the most promising young drivers coming out of Ireland.
Dunne’s rise couldn’t be better timed – with new seats opening and teams eyeing fresh talent, he’s firmly in the conversation. If his momentum continues, it’s only a matter of time before we see him take the next step onto the Formula 1 grid.
Marta Garcia
- Age: 25
- Nationality: Spanish
- Racing for: Le Mans Cup GT3 with Iron Dames team
Spanish racer Marta García has become a trailblazer on the single-seater ladder, turning heads with her speed, determination, and breakthrough achievements. After dominating the 2023 F1 Academy season, she was awarded a fully funded seat in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine for 2024 – a historic step that underlined her talent and the growing opportunities for women in motorsport.
Competing against some of Europe’s most promising young drivers, García proved she belonged on the grid, combining sharp racecraft with the consistency needed to climb the ranks. Her resilience and focus have made her a role model as well as a competitor, inspiring a new generation while carving her own path toward the higher tiers of racing. With her continued development and backing, Marta García is firmly on the radar as one of the next big names in the future of Formula 1 talent.
The next couple of years are shaping up to be some of the most exciting in Formula 1 history – not just because of the cars or technology, but because of the incredible talent coming through. These drivers bring speed, skill, and personality, and they are the future champions and heroes we’ll be talking about for decades.
Keep your eyes on them. The future of Formula 1 is already here, and it’s blazing fast!
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