
As the 2025 Formula 1 season showcases one of the finest rookie classes in years, teams are already deep into the hunt for future talent in the karting world. The season sees standout rookies like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman making their full-time F1 debuts, setting a high bar for what’s to come.
With five rookies, including Jack Doohan, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto, stepping into F1, the role of young driver programmes has never been more critical. These academies provide a clear pathway to the sport’s pinnacle while simultaneously intensifying the competition among teams to secure the brightest talents early in their careers.
F1’s Growing Junior Talent Programmes
F1 teams have evolved their approach to scouting, prioritizing younger talent from karting circuits rather than overloading driver rosters in F3 and F2. Recent examples include McLaren signing Belgium’s 14-year-old karting prodigy Dries van Langendonck and Williams recruiting 10-year-old Lucas Palacio.
But what are teams really looking for? Ferrari’s driver academy leader Jock Clear emphasizes that talent identification goes beyond speed:
“The quickest may not necessarily be the most talented. Equipment and resources distort karting, and some kids barely hang on financially. Picking the bones out of that is where the real challenge lies.”
Similarly, Mercedes’ driver advisor Gwen Lagrue looks for drivers with personality, resilience, and a proactive mindset, noting:
“We’re not looking for robots. We want individuals who can handle pressure, make decisions, and learn from setbacks.”
How F1 Teams Identify Future Stars

Teams have embraced innovative scouting methods to uncover the next Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc. Ferrari, for example, organizes its annual FDA World Scouting Camp, bringing top karting talent to Maranello for rigorous evaluation, from mental assessments to on-track testing at Fiorano.
Mercedes focuses on consistency, racecraft, and family support structures, ensuring young drivers have a stable environment to grow.
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s programme leader Guillaume Roquelin advocates a hands-off approach to foster independence, stating:
“We provide guidance but expect drivers to take initiative. They need to prove they can meet physical and technical targets without being spoon-fed.”
Levelling the Playing Field
While financial barriers remain a significant challenge in motorsport, F1 teams are working to create opportunities for underprivileged and underrepresented groups. Initiatives like the F1 Academy for female drivers and programmes supporting talented drivers from modest backgrounds are helping to diversify the talent pool.
Recent examples include Mercedes supporting James Anagnostiadis, an Australian driver with limited resources, who rose to prominence after excelling in karting.
The Arms Race Among Teams
Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes all admit to closely monitoring each other’s moves in the talent scouting space. While Ferrari debates whether to dip even further into junior karting categories, Lagrue at Mercedes emphasizes a tailored approach:
“We don’t see it as an arms race. It’s about picking a small group of drivers and ensuring we provide the right environment to help them succeed.”
What This Means for F1’s Future
The 2025 rookie class, featuring names like Antonelli and Bearman, underscores the growing success of these programmes in bridging the gap from karting to F1. As more teams refine their strategies, the sport can expect even greater talent diversity and a stronger competitive field in the years to come.
Key Takeaways:
- F1 teams are delving deeper into karting to find young talent earlier.
- Talent scouting now includes personality, resilience, and family background, not just speed.
- Initiatives are in place to reduce financial barriers and support underrepresented groups.
F1’s investment in junior talent is reshaping the sport’s future, proving that the journey to the pinnacle of motorsport starts long before reaching the grid.
Learn how F1 teams are shaping the next generation of superstars and revolutionizing the sport.