In Round 5 of the thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season, two rookie drivers made headlines by scoring points, marking a significant achievement in their early careers. The race was won by Oscar Piastri, the 2021 FIA Formula 2 champion, who showcased his exceptional skills by securing the top spot. Piastri, who clinched his championship title with the PREMA team, had an edge over Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, primarily due to a five-second penalty imposed on Verstappen. This penalty allowed Piastri to claim 25 points and the lead in the championship standings.
Among the recent graduates from Formula 2, only Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes and Isack Hadjar representing Racing Bulls managed to make it into the points. The performance of other rookies, including Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan, and reigning F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, fell short, with Bearman finishing in 13th place in his Haas, Doohan in 17th for Alpine, and Bortoleto managing only 18th place with Sauber.
Kimi Antonelli, despite Mercedes facing what team principal Toto Wolff described as their “worst performance of the year so far,” finished one position behind his teammate George Russell. The 18-year-old driver openly acknowledged the challenges he faced during the race, particularly with understeer in the early laps on medium tires. “The front tires started to degrade early, which affected our pace at the beginning,” Antonelli explained. However, he felt more comfortable on the hard compound tires after the pit stop, noting that their performance in the final ten laps was competitive. He reflected on the demanding triple-header of races in Japan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, expressing his desire to apply the lessons learned as they head to Round 6 in Miami.
Isack Hadjar, the 2024 F2 runner-up, expressed his delight with the outcome of his race in Jeddah. He credited a strong start and effective team strategy for his performance, stating, “I began on hard compound tires and worked my way up to chase down the Williams drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, in the closing stages.” Hadjar noted the clever DRS tactics employed by the Williams team, which made it challenging to overtake. Despite the difficulties, he felt that the race was well-executed, adding, “It’s the racing I want to do.”
The performance of the other rookie drivers did not match that of Antonelli and Hadjar. Oliver Bearman admitted that his Haas team was struggling in Saudi Arabia, which hampered both his and the team’s abilities. He commented on the competitive nature of the Racing Bull cars and mentioned the need to switch from medium to hard tires earlier than planned. “Overall, the triple-header has been positive, as we have been fighting for points in three very different races,” Bearman noted.
Bortoleto, the Brazilian driver, described his experience in Jeddah as a “big learning experience,” though he found the race to be frustrating. He explained that the decision to switch to hard tires during the Safety Car period did not pay off, as they were worn out by the final 15 laps. “I was just focused on bringing the car home,” he said. Bortoleto also recounted a close encounter with his manager, Fernando Alonso, during the race. After a pit stop, Alonso caught up to him, leading to a brush with Bortoleto. Fortunately, both drivers were able to continue without significant damage.
While one Australian celebrated victory, another faced a challenging race. Jack Doohan from Alpine encountered difficulties early on, as he stopped during the Safety Car period with the aim of running the race to the finish. Unfortunately, this strategy did not work out, and he only managed to pass Bortoleto after his second stop. “We will spend some time in the simulator in the coming days, working with the engineers to extract more potential from the car,” Doohan stated, vowing to make a comeback in Miami.
The Jeddah circuit presented unique challenges for the drivers, with its demanding layout testing their skills and strategies. Each rookie’s experience varied significantly, with some finding success while others struggled to adapt to the high-pressure environment of Formula 1. The contrasting fortunes of these young talents highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport, where each race brings a new set of challenges and opportunities.
As the teams and drivers prepare for the next round in Miami, the lessons learned from Jeddah will undoubtedly influence their strategies and performances. The intense competition among the rookies serves as a reminder of the depth of talent in Formula 1, as these young drivers strive to make their mark in the sport.
Piastri’s victory not only boosts his confidence but also sets the stage for a competitive championship battle. As he leads the standings, all eyes will be on him as he navigates the challenges ahead. The rivalry among the rookies, particularly between Antonelli, Hadjar, Bearman, Doohan, and Bortoleto, promises to add excitement to the upcoming races.
In summary, Round 5 of the 2025 Formula 1 season was a memorable event for the rookies, with Oscar Piastri emerging as the victor and taking the championship lead. The performances of Kimi Antonelli and Isack Hadjar highlighted their potential, while the struggles of other rookies underscored the challenges of adapting to the elite level of motorsport. As the season progresses, fans can expect thrilling races filled with intense competition and the relentless pursuit of excellence among these talented young drivers. The next race in Miami will be a crucial opportunity for all the rookies to apply what they have learned and continue their journey in Formula 1.
