A past grand prix victor has offered his insights on the largest group of Formula 1 rookies seen in over a decade.
Unlike 2024, which featured no newcomers, this year introduces six drivers to full-time seats—comprising 30 percent of the grid.
Three of them have prior grand prix experience: Red Bull Racing's new recruit alongside Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson (11 races), Jack Doohan (1), and Ferrari-supported Haas newcomer Oliver Bearman (3).
"Bearman is a top driver who will make life difficult for (Esteban) Ocon," Ralf Schumacher predicts.
At just 19, Britain's Bearman is young, yet Mercedes' replacement for Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli, is younger still. "Antonelli shows great speed, but must learn to hold back," said Schumacher, recalling the Italian's crash during Monza practice last year.
"But with Toto Wolff, he has a strong mentor at his side who has his back."
Jack Doohan, however, faces a less certain debut season, with Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore reportedly eager to swap the Australian for recent signee Franco Colapinto.
"Doohan is in a difficult position," said Schumacher, a six-time grand prix winner.
"Without performance, there is no guarantee from Briatore. He will be replaced if the results are not right," the 49-year-old German added.
The remaining pair of 2025 rookies, both 20, are Isack Hadjar at Racing Bulls and Gabriel Bortoleto, the reigning Formula 2 champion who also claimed the F3 crown the previous year.
"Bortoleto has had great success in Formula 3 and Formula 2," Schumacher said, "but he will have a hard time with Sauber.
"He has tested the least and it will be tough for him in qualifying against Nico Hulkenberg. He mustn't try to force it."
As for Hadjar, Schumacher concluded: "He is difficult to assess - a super racer with excellent control, strong when overtaking, but also a hot-head.
"He still has a lot to learn, but has a great team and will make life difficult for (Yuki) Tsunoda."
