Helmut Marko delivers a no-nonsense verdict on F1’s 2025 rookies, questioning Doohan’s future and ranking the grid’s rising stars.
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko is back with his trademark blunt opinions, and this time, Alpine rookie Jack Doohan is in the firing line. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Marko didn’t hold back, rating Doohan as a “Category C” driver and predicting he won’t even finish the season.
“For me, Jack is rated C. I don’t think he’ll finish the season,” he stated without hesitation.
A former Red Bull junior (2017–2021), Doohan has been tipped by Marko to be replaced mid-season by Franco Colapinto. A brutal statement just before the Aussie’s home race…
How Do the Other Rookies Stack Up?
Marko was also asked to judge the rest of the 2025 F1 rookie class:
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Oliver Bearman (Haas)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
His verdict? Mixed.
Bortoleto: Smart, but Lacking Raw Pace
Despite winning both the F3 and F2 titles in back-to-back years, Marko believes the Brazilian is missing pure speed.
“I’d rate him in Category B. He’s very intelligent—he won the F3 title with just one victory and stays out of trouble. In F2, he only had two wins. He’s great at race management, but I don’t see that raw speed.”
Antonelli: The Next Big Thing?
The Mercedes prodigy has been hyped as the biggest talent to enter F1 since Max Verstappen a decade ago.
“He’s clearly an elite driver, even under huge pressure. He’s already covered 10,000km in testing but has also had two major crashes. You can feel the weight of expectation on him.”
Bearman: Fast but Reckless?
Bearman already has three F1 races under his belt, stepping in for Ferrari and Haas in 2024. But Marko has concerns.
“He’s very quick, but he’s had too many crashes in F2 and F3 because he takes big risks. He goes all out. He might not reach the top as fast as Antonelli, but he’s an exceptional driver.”
Hadjar: An A-Grade Prospect?
Despite losing the F2 title to Bortoleto, Isack Hadjar has secured his F1 seat at Racing Bulls, and Marko rates him highly.
He even gave him an “A” grade, saying the Frenchman’s true potential could be unlocked if he learned to control his emotions.
“Hadjar lost the F2 title by just a few points. Our analysts estimate he dropped 80 points due to technical issues and other problems. He’s seriously quick. If he keeps progressing and controls his emotions, he has A-level potential.”
Marko’s Verdict: Brutal but Honest?
As always, Marko’s assessments pull no punches. Whether he’s right or not, the rookies now have a point to prove.
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F1 Rookies Under Fire – Marko’s Brutal Verdict! F1 Rookies Under Fire – Marko’s Brutal Verdict!
