2025 Formula 1 rookie ‘turned purple’ with embarrassment during his first press conference

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The 2025 Formula 1 grid will feature at least four rookies as the sport embraces young talent. Oliver Bearman was the first to be confirmed, with Haas signing the Ferrari junior alongside Esteban Ocon.

While Bearman’s second season in Formula 2 has been disappointing, he shone for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after replacing an unwell Carlos Sainz. That was a clear sign of his immense potential, which he’s subsequently displayed when filling in for Kevin Magnussen at Haas.

Bearman’s PREMA teammate Kimi Antonelli will be under the most pressure as he jumps straight to Mercedes. Team principal Toto Wolff has taken a gamble by entrusting the teenager to succeed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Where drivers like Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc had to spend a year or so in the midfield before racing for a top team, Antonelli has jumped straight to the front of the grid. Wolff has looked to play down expectations, especially for his early races.

Elsewhere, Jack Doohan will graduate from his reserve role at Alpine following the departure of Esteban Ocon. Reports claim Doohan only has a contract for five races, so he still needs to convince the team’s hierarchy of his F1 credentials.

And finally, Audi announced last week that Gabriel Bortoleto would partner Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto is currently leading the F2 standings and beat out 10-time race-winner Valtteri Bottas in the race for the seat.

Kimi Antonelli looked embarrassed during his Mercedes unveiling

Speaking on the Motorsport Brazil podcast, journalist Mariana Becker shared her recollections of Antonelli’s first Mercedes press conference. The team confirmed his ascension at his home race in Italy, just a day after he crashed on his FP1 debut.

Antonelli was ‘protected’ by Wolff and future teammate George Russell, who were sat next to him in the Mercedes facility. But Becker says he still looked uncomfortable when answering questions.

The 18-year-old will become the third-youngest driver in F1 history when he features at next year’s Australian GP. Only Verstappen and Lance Stroll outrank him on that list.

Mercedes have deliberately limited Antonelli’s media appearances this season for the good of his development. But it’s an area where he’ll have to learn quickly when he takes over from Hamilton.

“Kimi Antonelli’s presentation was super funny because I was sitting up front, I could see him right in front of me,” Becker said. “I was one of the first to ask [a question]. It wasn’t a very difficult question.

“He was super protected there by Toto and George Russell. And he turned purple in the face. I saw his colour change. So they’re still embarrassed.”

Why succeeding Lewis Hamilton could be a blessing – not a curse – for Kimi Antonelli

On paper, Antonelli faces the most daunting succession task ever. Hamilton has won six championships and 84 races with Mercedes – both all-time records.

The 39-year-old has struggled this year, so matching his pace may not be entirely unrealistic. But Hamilton is an ‘extraordinary’ figure, in the words of BBC Sport’s Jennie Gow, and Antonelli – who was still technically a child at the start of August – is tasked with filling that void.

Mercedes will try to control the narrative. Wolff will argue that, with respect to Hamilton, it doesn’t matter who came before.

And the youngster could actually benefit. Hamilton has been helping Antonelli behind the scenes, explaining his thought processes, and the opportunity to shadow a legendary figure could be hugely valuable.