Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman, two of the most exciting rookies in the 2025 Formula 1 season, share a strong history together. Before stepping into F1, they competed side-by-side in the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship, where they built a solid relationship and showcased their rising talents.
From F2 teammates to F1 rookies
During the 2024 F2 season, Antonelli and Bearman raced as teammates for PREMA. Both delivered strong performances and consistently pushed each other to higher levels. Reflecting on Bearman’s quick rise to Formula 1, Antonelli made it clear that his former teammate had always shown exceptional potential.
Speaking about Bearman’s breakthrough, particularly his standout performance replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari during the 2024 F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, Antonelli said:
“I’m really happy he’s in F1. I mean, I think after what he did in Jeddah last year, it was pretty obvious he was going to be racing.”
Antonelli also emphasized that Bearman’s F1 promotion came as no surprise to him: “And it’s something I expected to be honest. Because he showed, in many occasions, what he’s capable of.”
Antonelli showed a mix of competitive spirit and genuine support: “Of course, I’m not happy that he arrived in front of me. [at Bahrain] But definitely he’s doing pretty well.”
Carrying Their Friendship into Formula 1
Despite now racing for different teams—Antonelli at Mercedes and Bearman at Haas—the two young drivers have maintained a strong relationship.
“Last year we were teammates and we got along pretty well. Still this year, we managed to carry on this nice relationship,” Antonelli said.
Their bond, built during their time as teammates, seems to have carried seamlessly into their new challenge at the top level of motorsport.
Handling the challenges of a triple-header
The intense Formula 1 calendar often pushes rookies to their limits, and the calendar, altogether with the triple headers—three consecutive race weekends—can be especially challenging.
Antonelli, however, welcomes the demanding schedule:
“In my opinion, it’s good that we go back-to-back-to-back,” he explained.
“I couldn’t imagine myself going back home after Bahrain and having to wait for a couple of weeks as I was really disappointed with how the race went.”
He acknowledged the mental strain:
“Sometimes it’s really hard to understand all the information and have the time to actually embrace everything you learned.”
However, he appreciated the chance for a quick rebound:
“I’m really happy I got another weekend right after Bahrain, because it’s another chance to do a better result.”
