Max Verstappen has singled out Gabriel Bortoleto and Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the standout prospects among Formula 1’s 2025 rookie crop.
The four-time World Champion spent much of last season around the new generation of drivers.
He was often seen chatting with several rookies in the paddock, but his links with Bortoleto and Antonelli were especially strong.
Those relationships were built long before their F1 debuts.
Verstappen crossed paths with many of the rookies through simulator racing, which helped form an early bond once they arrived in the sport.
As the season progressed, several young drivers turned to Verstappen for advice. The Dutchman made it clear he had no issue offering guidance when approached.
Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen explained how those interactions developed naturally.
“No, not really. It’s also not that I necessarily asked for that,” he said.
“But that just goes very naturally now. Those guys also come a bit from the sim world. You know each other a bit from that.
“Then you already have a bit more of a connection.
“Of course they are a lot younger than me, but they are just really nice. Then I’m not going to be blunt. They’re just super nice guys, and I just get along with that.”
The rookie class delivered several eye-catching performances across the year.
Antonelli and Red Bull newcomer Isack Hadjar both managed podium finishes, despite driving very different cars.
That variety makes it difficult to judge who stood out the most. Verstappen believes the inconsistency shown by the rookies was entirely expected.
“That’s hard to say. They have all impressed at certain times,” he added.
“And again, as rookies, they made their mistakes. That’s typical for a rookie.
“So nobody was completely consistent, but you shouldn’t expect that from a rookie either.”
While Verstappen avoided naming a single standout performer, he was clear when asked about outright speed and long-term upside.
“I think Bortoleto, along with Kimi, are really the raw talents in terms of potential,” Verstappen pointed out.
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