We will tell you everything you need to know about the backstory of all drivers from the 2025 Formula 1 season here! All drivers will be reviewed individually.
Biography
His name is Max, and his nature embodies the essence of maximum.
Emerging onto the Formula 1 scene as the youngest competitor ever, a mere 17-year-old, Verstappen pushed not only his racing machine but also his competitors and the annals of the sport’s history to their very boundaries. Despite his youthful countenance, this Dutchman possessed the heart of a lion, fearlessly seizing control of both Toro Rosso and, subsequently, Red Bull, steering them with an innate racing style that flowed like instinct.
The fledgling contender swiftly transformed into the youngest points earner in F1, later ascending to the throne of the sport’s youngest race victor at the tender age of 18 years and 228 days. In the realms of Barcelona in 2016, he orchestrated an audacious yet controlled debut for Red Bull, capitalizing on opportunity with skill. A true maestro of wheel-to-wheel duels, his prowess shone once more in Brazil, orchestrating a mesmerizing surge from the rear ranks to the podium on a treacherously wet track.
While Verstappen’s uncompromising approach and resolute defence occasionally led him into contentious waters with fellow racers and team leaders, the initial missteps that stained his potential gradually evolved into maturity. The audacious flair and boundless vitality that marked him as an extraordinary talent remained steadfast, bearing fruit in a string of victories. The zenith of his journey arrived with his inaugural F1 drivers’ championship, secured in an already legendary face-off against Lewis Hamilton during the climactic round of 2021.
Hailing from the lineage of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen and his rapid-karting mother, Sophie Kumpen, racing prowess courses through his veins. Even as he relocated from his father’s abode to take up residence in Monaco, Verstappen’s familial ties remained strong. While unafraid to voice his convictions, he still harboured a surprising shyness beneath the surface.
As the Netherlands’ first-ever world champion at a mere 24 years of age, the weight of expectations on the burgeoning luminary of the next generation is staggering. Yet, with Verstappen, there lingers a sensation that the boundaries are limitless, and the sky itself merely constitutes a stepping stone.
Biography
No Japanese driver has ever triumphed in a Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix. Could Yuki Tsunoda be the first to break that streak? Red Bull seems to believe so: they’ve steadily guided the young talent toward their premier outfit for several years.
Tsunoda’s rise through the motorsport ranks was exceptionally swift. He progressed from Japanese F4 straight to a Formula 1 drive with AlphaTauri, later rebranded as Racing Bulls, in a little over three years—arriving in Europe in 2019 with no prior experience on its circuits.
Although he had a modest start in F3, his rookie year in F2 was outstanding: three victories and a third-place finish in the standings underscored his pace and racecraft, helping him secure a spot on the F1 grid.
He may not have taken to Grand Prix racing as quickly as he adapted to F2, but with four seasons now under his belt, Tsunoda is firmly established in Formula 1—and, as of early 2025, he has finally earned that coveted position in the Red Bull team.
Biography
Emerging from the enchanting embrace of Monaco’s Mediterranean haven, Leclerc’s debut in F1 was accompanied by a towering surge of anticipation.
Navigating a near-peerless journey to claim both the GP3 and Formula 2 championships, he dazzled with a multifaceted display of skills, seizing scorching pole positions, commanding victories – even when his car ignited twice at Silverstone – and demonstrating the art of weaving through the ranks. His consecutive championship conquests not only adorned him with crowns but also imbued him with the finesse of handling pressure, an invaluable asset in the expansive realm of Formula 1 racing.
Ascending to the F1 stage in 2018, Leclerc exhibited fleeting yet electrifying bursts of speed on Saturdays and exhibited racing brilliance on Sundays. He coerced his Sauber beyond its presumed boundaries, securing for himself an invaluable race seat at Ferrari for 2019 – an opportunity that money alone couldn’t acquire. He stepped into the shoes of Kimi Raikkonen, the Scuderia’s last world champion.
At Ferrari, he promptly stirred the waters, fearlessly locking horns with the established number one, Sebastian Vettel. A maiden F1 triumph at Spa was swiftly followed by another just a week later on the revered home turf of Monza. The Tifosi, Ferrari’s devoted fans, enthusiastically embraced their newfound hero. Moreover, Leclerc achieved a historic feat by outscoring Vettel over a season, a triumph he replicated in resounding fashion the subsequent year.
Off the racetrack, Leclerc emanates humility and contemplation, a demeanor that aligns with his deeply personal mission. This vibrant and promising talent races not only for himself but also for the memory of his late father, Herve, and his friend and mentor, Jules Bianchi, the F1 driver who tragically passed away in 2015.
Based on his performance thus far, he undoubtedly does justice to their legacies.
Biography
“Still I Rise” – these words blaze across Lewis Hamilton’s helmet and are etched into his shoulders, a testament to his unwavering spirit. Since his explosive entrance into F1 history in 2007 with one of the most astonishing rookie displays ever witnessed, rising has been his constant refrain. He ascended to the zenith of the all-time pole positions list, surpassing his idol Ayrton Senna. He surged into the lead in the wins column, eclipsing the unparalleled Michael Schumacher. And he achieved parity with the revered German’s seven world titles.
Is he the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T)? Few would dispute his presence in the discussion. Furthermore, he carved his own path, intertwining his relentless velocity with a steadfast refusal to adhere to conventional notions of how racing drivers should think, present themselves, or behave.
Earning respect in the realm of F1 is an arduous feat, but Lewis Hamilton – now bestowed the honour of Sir Lewis Hamilton – commands it from all his fellow competitors. Why? Because they comprehend that regardless of the track, the conditions, or the circumstance, when that visor descends, and the lights extinguish, it’s Hammertime.
Biography
He’s the driver who lives by the motto: “When in doubt, go all out.”
George Russell has embraced this creed throughout his journey in F1, showcasing his mettle by consistently outperforming his seasoned teammate Robert Kubica in all 21 Grand Prix races during his rookie season. His exploits include reinvigorating Williams with a podium finish in 2021 and securing a Mercedes race seat alongside the formidable Lewis Hamilton for 2022.
This blazing foundation of innate speed proved to be Russell’s steadfast ally as he journeyed towards Formula 1 greatness. He clinched the 2017 GP3 championship with an authoritative display and captured the 2018 Formula 2 title under immense pressure, solidifying his ascendancy.
Recognizing his exceptional potential, Mercedes, the reigning world champions, promptly incorporated him into their junior program in 2017. At that time, Russell already had a DTM deal on the table. He garnered further experience through practice sessions with Force India and testing for the Silver Arrows before seizing his chance to drive for Williams powered by Mercedes.
Rooted in his resolute nature and an unwavering commitment to daring overtakes, Russell’s resounding determination underlies his winning mindset. It was this very spirit that led to his standout performance as a stand-in for Lewis Hamilton during the Sakhir Grand Prix in 2020 when the reigning champion was sidelined by Covid-19. Russell’s remarkable display saw him narrowly miss out on pole position by a mere 0.026 seconds and then outpace Valtteri Bottas, a seasoned Mercedes stalwart. Only a mishandled pit stop and a heart-wrenching late tire puncture prevented what seemed an almost certain debut victory for the promising substitute.
Throughout 2021, Russell remained focused on Williams, achieving his first points and a podium finish, all while keeping his sights set on the grander goal. Proving himself as an industrious toiler and an unyielding talent, he ultimately secured the chance to go head-to-head against his compatriot and seven-time champion, Lewis Hamilton, in equally matched machinery.
A colossal challenge awaits, yet as always, the determined ‘Russell the Rocket’ will be fully committed, unflinchingly adhering to his mantra of all-out effort.
Biography
Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s path to Formula 1 has been extraordinarily swift.
The Bologna native, whose father Marco competed in sportscars, caught Mercedes’ eye during a karting career laden with trophies. He made his car racing debut at just 15, then promptly claimed titles in both the Italian and ADAC F4 championships in 2022 before adding the Formula Regional Middle East and European crowns a year later.
While many viewed F3 as his logical next step, Mercedes recognized his potential and decided a leap straight into F2 would better serve their rising talent. The pressure on the teenager only grew when Lewis Hamilton announced he would be leaving for Ferrari in 2025—opening up a seat alongside George Russell at the Silver Arrows.
Antonelli got his head down in F2, steadily accumulating points without reaching the podium as Prema Racing and the rest of the field adjusted to the series’ new car package. Then, midway through the campaign, he began to show the broader world what Mercedes had seen all along.
A breakthrough wet-weather Sprint victory at Silverstone was followed by his first Feature race win at the Hungaroring, and a breathtaking move on Franco Colapinto in the rain at Spa-Francorchamps’ legendary Eau Rouge left the paddock buzzing.
Shortly after Antonelli turned 18, Mercedes announced at the Italian Grand Prix that he would succeed the seven-time world champion Hamilton. Although a heavy crash during his practice debut at Monza dimmed the news slightly, a cleaner FP1 outing in Mexico—and extensive mileage in older Mercedes machines—should prepare him well for the challenges that lie ahead.
Biography
Lando Norris isn’t named after the Star Wars rebel Lando Calrissian; his Mum simply had a liking for the name. However, he possesses an abundance of both flair and a fighting spirit.
McLaren had been nurturing this British teenager for a span of two years before propelling him into F1’s constellation of stars in 2019. With a dazzling track record in his junior career – marked by a penchant for pole positions and captivating wheel-to-wheel battles – Norris didn’t disappoint.
Teamed up with the highly regarded and considerably more seasoned Carlos Sainz, his inaugural season showcased his mettle. He edged out the Spaniard in their head-to-head qualifying clashes, accumulated points across 11 instances, and narrowly missed securing a spot within the top 10 of the championship standings. This trend continued into 2020, where the amiable Brit secured his maiden podium and ascended to ninth place.
His ascent continued with unrelenting force in 2021, clinching an additional four podium finishes and coming close to a race victory. This impressive performance saw him assert dominance over his more experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, as Norris rose to the sixth position in the final driver standings.
On the track, he’s a captivating talent, while off it, Norris exudes a modest charm. An artistic inclination has him crafting and painting his own racing gear as a personal hobby. Looking ahead, his aim is to harmonize this artistry with his competitive ambition on the racecourse, as McLaren places their faith in the potential of youth to guide them back to their former glory.
With aspirations high, Norris envisions the downforce to be in his favour, propelling him toward his goals.
Biography
Though young in age, Oscar Piastri’s prowess on the track commands respect. This Australian driver’s calm and composed demeanour belies his formidable racing aptitude.
Born in Melbourne in 2001, Piastri’s journey ignited within the realm of go-karts before propelling him to car racing in 2016. His swift ascent captured the gaze of the racing fraternity, culminating in his crowning as the Formula Renault Eurocup champion in 2019, having triumphed in seven races along the way.
The subsequent year marked Piastri’s debut in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. Concluding the season with two victories and six podium finishes, he clinched third place in the championship rankings. His remarkable performance didn’t escape the notice of the Alpine Academy, leading to his enrollment in their developmental program.
In 2021, Piastri elevated his game by joining Prema Racing for the FIA Formula 2 Championship. Without hesitation, he demonstrated his mettle. Amidst fierce competition, he achieved a rookie year triumph, capturing the championship with two wins and an impressive nine podium finishes.
Before even setting foot in a Formula 1 car, Piastri found himself enmeshed in the F1 “silly season.” His association with Alpine prompted claims of his signing, which was met with a legal threat. However, Piastri’s stance was unequivocal – his aspirations lay with McLaren.
Biography
During the early 2000s, Michael Schumacher unquestionably reigned as the supreme ruler of Formula 1, amassing victories and championships at an unprecedented pace. Challenging this Ferrari legend’s dominion required someone of exceptional calibre – the fact that it was Fernando Alonso who achieved this feat speaks volumes about the Spanish driver.
Exuding an unyielding competitive spirit, Alonso openly acknowledges his talent, rating himself as a 9/10 across the board, a self-assessment that few well-versed individuals would dispute. His performance within the realm of F1 is marked by blazing speed, strategic brilliance, impeccable racecraft, acute attention to detail, and an unwavering determination to seize victory.
A trailblazer from the outset, Alonso held records as F1’s youngest polesitter, race winner, world champion, and double world champion during his early career, amassing triumphs under the banner of the Renault team. However, even Alonso could not perpetuate this remarkable streak in his later journey, as additional titles eluded him despite tenures with McLaren and Ferrari.
Following a two-year hiatus from Formula 1 racing – a period during which he secured two Le Mans victories – Alonso staged his comeback with Alpine in 2021. His return isn’t without a purpose; he possesses unfinished business within the world of F1, a testament to his enduring commitment to the sport.
Biography
Excessiveness early on is a notion alien to Stroll, a teenage prodigy attuned to wet conditions. Holding his own among the grid’s trendy individuals, Stroll’s entry into the scene transpired shortly after his 18th birthday courtesy of Williams – a step taken before high school graduation and acquiring his driver’s license.
Stroll’s debut season in 2017 was nothing short of serious business, punctuated by record-breaking achievements. Brimming with opportunistic racing prowess, he swiftly ascended to the podium in Baku, marking himself as the youngest rookie to achieve such a feat. Hailing from a background of affluence due to his entrepreneurial father, Stroll’s familiarity with the champagne lifestyle adds a layer of richness to the podium experience. At Monza, he showcased his mastery over rain-soaked tracks, becoming the youngest driver in history to grace the front row.
An unwavering starter, this Canadian sensation revels in gaining positions during the opening lap, consistently manoeuvring his way into point-scoring positions. Stroll undoubtedly has the potential to solidify his presence as a fixture in the Formula 1 realm – a potential reaffirmed by his inaugural pole position and two additional podium finishes in 2020.
These achievements unfolded after his father, Lawrence, spearheaded the consortium that took the reins of Force India midway through the 2018 season, subsequently orchestrating its metamorphosis into Aston Martin for 2021. The future appears radiant both for the team and their young protégé. Rain or shine, Stroll remains poised to navigate the tarmac at the forefront of the pack.
Biography
He’s the superhero driver ready to become a true racing star—if only he could fully flex his abilities at the sharp end of the grid. Known as F1’s “Hulk,” Nico Hulkenberg has displayed remarkable stamina and consistency in midfield battles since his debut in 2010, representing Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin, Haas, and Kick Sauber.
During his rookie campaign, Hulkenberg navigated tricky track conditions to grab a stunning pole position in Brazil, revealing that he had both the brains and the brawn to succeed. From then on, his knack for racking up points made him a coveted asset. His reputation took another step up in 2015 when he won the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours on his first attempt with Porsche, during an F1 weekend off.
Outside the cockpit, Hulkenberg’s humble nature is clear—he’s the sort of driver who holds his own umbrella in the rain on the way to the grid—and he has a playful sense of humor. Even when he set the unwanted record for the most race starts without a podium, he jokingly referred to it as the beginning of the “Hulkenberg era.”
After Renault released him at the close of 2019, the popular German returned for some eye-catching substitute drives in 2020 and 2022, before securing a full-time comeback with Haas for 2023. The “Hulk” took that opportunity to try rewriting the record books yet again.
Now, as he partners with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto at Kick Sauber for 2025, Hulkenberg hopes that the team—poised to become the official Audi works outfit in 2026—can finally deliver that elusive F1 podium finish, and maybe even more.
Biography
Gabriel Bortoleto will carry a nation’s hopes on his shoulders as he embarks on his rookie Formula 1 season, becoming the first Brazilian to race full-time in the sport since Felipe Massa in 2017—and doing so as the reigning F2 champion.
A São Paulo native, Bortoleto began karting at seven years old, quickly winning local titles with the support of his businessman father, Lincoln Oliveira, who is actively involved in Brazilian motorsport.
Barely four years later, Bortoleto headed to Europe, tracing the path of his idol Ayrton Senna by finding further karting success on the international stage, which opened doors to single-seater racing.
From there, he amassed victories in almost every category he entered, gaining experience in Italian F4 and Formula Regional in 2021 and 2022—results impressive enough for Fernando Alonso’s A14 management company to sign him on.
Under Alonso’s guidance, Bortoleto hit another gear, securing consecutive F3 and F2 championships in 2023 and 2024. During that second title campaign, he delivered a jaw-dropping comeback from last place to triumph in the Monza Feature Race, grabbing the paddock’s attention and putting himself on the shortlist for one of the few available 2025 F1 seats.
His situation was somewhat complicated by a driver development contract he had signed with McLaren following his F3 title win. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri firmly established there, however, the team was not inclined to block the young Brazilian’s progress.
Talk soon turned to a potential move to Kick Sauber—coming out of new team boss Mattia Binotto’s comprehensive review—and the rumor quickly became fact, with Bortoleto confirmed alongside the seasoned Nico Hulkenberg.
When Bortoleto took part in Sauber’s official F1 test at the 2024 post-season session in Abu Dhabi, he described it as an “amazing feeling.” Now at age 20, he stands ready to transform his Formula 1 dreams into a reality.
Biography
Liam Lawson is no stranger to getting thrown in at the deep end.
Having won races in virtually every junior category and shown front-running pace in both F3 and F2, the New Zealander was on standby as Red Bull’s reserve driver when fate intervened. At the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix, AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo broke his hand in a practice accident, opening the door for Lawson—who grew up idolizing the movie character Lightning McQueen—to make a sudden F1 debut.
In a soaking wet maiden race at Zandvoort, Lawson kept his head above water. Then, under Singapore’s intense humidity, he turned more heads by outqualifying reigning champion Max Verstappen en route to Q3, before bagging valuable points on Sunday.
Despite that eye-catching effort, Red Bull told Lawson there would be no seat for him in 2024. The newly rebranded RB squad would run Daniel Ricciardo—once recovered—and Yuki Tsunoda, a blend of experience and youth. But Lawson had been in a holding pattern before; he’d proven his worth when it mattered and simply needed to await his next shot.
Ironic, then, that a twist of fate in Singapore again opened the door: Ricciardo remained sidelined, sending Lawson back into action as Red Bull assessed the “bigger picture” for 2025 and beyond.
Seizing his golden opportunity, Lawson did enough to secure a promotion to Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen for 2025, replacing Sergio Perez. Yet, after only two challenging races with the senior squad, he found himself returning to Racing Bulls for the rest of the season. The journey, it seems, is far from over—and only time will reveal what lies ahead for the Kiwi prospect.
Biography
Isack Hadjar became the final addition to the 2025 Formula 1 grid after Red Bull’s dramatic winter shake-up, which saw Liam Lawson step into Sergio Perez’s seat and the French-Algerian driver claim the vacant spot at Racing Bulls.
It has been quite a trek for the Paris-born racer, who turned early karting promise into a maiden single-seater victory during his debut season and a top-three championship finish in his second. From there, he sharpened his skills in French F4, followed by campaigns in Formula Regional European and the F3 Asian series in 2021. In 2022, he tackled both F3 and Formula Regional Asian while also joining the Red Bull Junior Team.
Despite picking up three wins and placing fourth in F3, Hadjar’s initial foray into F2 in 2023 was less fruitful, as he finished the year winless and with question marks hovering over his future. Red Bull, however, stuck by him—handing him F1 practice outings with the then AlphaTauri squad and the main Red Bull team in Mexico and Abu Dhabi—before both sides regrouped for another go at F2.
That faith paid off. Hadjar racked up four victories and four more podiums during 2024, pushing new Sauber signing Gabriel Bortoleto to the limit in the title fight and narrowly losing out following a gut-wrenching stall at the Yas Marina decider. Although he never clinched a junior championship, his standout pace and racecraft made him the perfect fit alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
“He’s definitely a raw talent,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner of the 20-year-old’s pending F1 bow. “He needs a bit of polishing, but he has the speed.”
Now, as the 19th driver to climb into Formula 1 through Red Bull’s junior ranks, the question remains whether Hadjar can establish himself at the pinnacle of the sport and join the select few who enjoy enduring success.
Biography
If there’s a single concept that pervades Esteban Ocon’s journey, it’s the notion of ‘sacrifice’.
Back when he was a promising young kart racer, Ocon’s parents made a profound sacrifice: selling their house, pausing their own careers, and embracing a nomadic lifestyle. They lived in a caravan, traversing from one racing circuit to another, all in unwavering support of their son’s burgeoning career.
This sacrifice wasn’t in vain. The year 2014 marked Ocon’s breakthrough in the realm of single-seater racing, outperforming none other than Max Verstappen to secure the European F3 championship. With the backing of Mercedes, he clinched the GP3 title the following year. In 2016, while halfway through a DTM season, an unexpected opportunity arose. Ocon was offered the chance to step in for Rio Haryanto at the underdog Manor team from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards.
This pivotal moment paved the way for a full-time seat the subsequent year with Force India. His intense on-track battles against the highly regarded Sergio Perez rapidly solidified Ocon’s status as a rising luminary. However, when Lawrence Stroll, the father of driver Lance Stroll, intervened in 2018 to ensure the financial stability of the team, Ocon’s future dimmed. By the close of that year, he was nudged aside to make way for Stroll Jr., transferring from Williams.
Ocon patiently waited, spending a year as Mercedes’ reserve driver. His perseverance paid off in 2020, as he reclaimed a race seat with Renault, a team subsequently rebranded as Alpine for 2021. Finally, his patient endurance yielded a triumphant outcome – not only achieving his own inaugural F1 victory, but also securing the first-ever F1 win for the renowned French manufacturer.
Ocon’s journey in motorsport has been anything but effortless. Yet, his ability to return to the F1 grid and ascend to the winner’s podium is a testament to a blend of unwavering self-confidence, unrelenting determination, and a skill set that rivals the very best.
Biography
Oliver Bearman made his Formula 1 race debut in Saudi Arabia in 2024, standing in for an unwell Carlos Sainz as Ferrari’s official reserve. That call-up followed his initial taste of top-tier machinery with the Scuderia toward the end of 2023, a buildup that included FP1 outings for Haas at the Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.
Alongside those F1 experiences, Bearman raced in F2 for Prema Racing, claiming four victories and finishing sixth in the standings that same year. A rough start to his 2024 F2 campaign in Bahrain was swiftly countered by a pole position at the rapid Jeddah circuit—though he soon had to put his junior commitments on hold to sub for Sainz.
Bearman hardly complained, though: an impressive drive in his first Grand Prix netted him seventh place and six valuable points, greatly enhancing his F1 prospects. In fact, that performance helped secure him a full-time seat with Ferrari-powered Haas for 2025—along with a cameo for the team in Azerbaijan ’24, when Kevin Magnussen was sidelined by a one-race ban.
Biography
When it comes to understanding the rollercoaster journey an F1 driver’s career can embark upon, Pierre Gasly stands as a prime example. The adept French racer received his call-up to the grand stage in 2017, making his debut in Malaysia as a replacement for Daniil Kvyat. His exceptional skills caught the attention, leading him to secure a position as a Toro Rosso driver the following year.
Within the initial 21 races of his budding career, Gasly’s trajectory took another leap forward. This time, he ascended to fill the shoes of Red Bull’s prominent figure, Daniel Ricciardo. Gasly appeared to possess an innate ability to be in the right place at the right time – a trait equally valuable on and off the track. His remarkable performances in 2018 for Toro Rosso, including an impressive fourth-place finish in Bahrain, showcased the promise he held for his future endeavours with the main Red Bull team in 2019.
Regrettably, that promise encountered sporadic moments of brilliance, struggling in comparison to his superstar teammate, Max Verstappen. This struggle prompted a decision after the summer break, resulting in his return to Toro Rosso. The opportunity was given to another emerging talent, Alex Albon, to take up the senior Red Bull role.
Gasly, however, exhibited his resilience in a characteristic fashion. Over the final nine races of the season, he accumulated nearly as many points as his teammate Kvyat managed throughout the entire year. His determination culminated in a remarkable achievement: a second-place finish in Brazil, marking his best-ever race result. This upward trajectory extended into 2020, highlighted by a poignant first victory at the Italian Grand Prix for the newly named AlphaTauri team. His momentum persisted through 2021, with podium finishes and a significant contribution of 110 out of 142 points for the team.
The pivotal question lingered: Could he sustain this momentum and earn himself another opportunity on the grand F1 stage? He unequivocally answered that question. Joining the French Alpine team, alongside his compatriot co-driver Esteban, signifies a clear step up in his career journey.
Biography
Jack Doohan, Alpine’s F1 reserve since 2023, will move up to a full-time race seat in 2025, having already made his Grand Prix debut with the team at the 2024 season finale.
The Queensland native is the latest Australian to join the Formula 1 grid. His talent is undeniable—even before you factor in his father, five-time motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan—thanks to numerous victories in F3 and F2.
Following early single-seater experience in British Formula 4, plus stints in Italian F4, ADAC F4, and Asian F3, Doohan stepped into FIA Formula 3 in 2020. He then claimed the runner-up spot in the championship a year later.
After signing with Alpine’s driver development program in 2022, Doohan placed sixth in his rookie F2 season. He upped his game the following year, clinching three victories and third in the standings—highlighted by back-to-back feature race wins in Hungary and Belgium.
Alpine also gave Doohan track time at various Grands Prix between 2022 and 2024. Now, having completed his apprenticeship with the French outfit, he’s earned a full-time F1 drive alongside race winner Pierre Gasly.
Biography
Though born in London, Alexander Albon races under the banner of Thailand. Interestingly, his very first word was not in English but in Italian – the word being “Ferrari.” However, it was with a different Italian team that he was granted his significant breakthrough into the world of Formula 1.
With an unwavering admiration for Michael Schumacher and a profound aspiration to one day grace the Formula 1 stage, the younger Albon encountered a narrow miss in the 2016 GP3 title race, outshined by none other than Charles Leclerc. Subsequently, as he transitioned to the Formula 2 circuit, his close friendship with George Russell was left on the sidelines as he battled fiercely for the 2018 title.
Advancing to the grand league of Formula 1 alongside yet another contemporary, Lando Norris, in 2019, Albon showcased his prowess on the track with Toro Rosso in the initial races, securing a mid-season promotion to Red Bull Racing.
Distinguished for his artful overtaking and championship-driven mentality, Albon displayed remarkable composure despite partnering with Max Verstappen in the latter half of his rookie campaign. He managed to secure top-six finishes in eight out of his nine 2019 races with Red Bull.
Navigating the challenge of staying on par with the future champion proved more demanding in 2020, leading Red Bull to withdraw him from their race lineup. Crucially, Albon persisted as a test and reserve driver, remaining prominently on the radar of team executives. This ultimately paved the way for his return to the grid in 2022 with Williams.
Exuding a laidback and cheerful demeanour adorned with a mischievous grin, this Thai racer holds a well-regarded standing among his fellow competitors – a feat not always easily achieved within motorsport’s crucible of rivalry. However, the realm of Formula 1 demands more than just popularity. Albon now confronts a formidable task: to capitalize on a rare second chance in Formula 1 and make the most of this significant opportunity.
Biography
He emerges as the Madrid matador of racing lineage. Having stepped into F1’s Bull Ring as Max Verstappen’s partner at Toro Rosso in 2015, Sainz promptly unveiled his unyielding determination.
A fierce competitor, he pushes the car to its limits, manoeuvring with a fiery intensity through the field. Hence, the moniker “Chilli” suits him perfectly.
Yet, beneath his instinctual prowess lies a sharp intellect, guiding him through races to secure valuable points. This composed demeanour extends beyond the track, where he remains unperturbed by the weight of building a Grand Prix career under a renowned name.
Sainz’s lineage is formidable, being the son of a double World Rally champion who shares his namesake. He has artfully woven some of his father’s driving finesse into the fabric of the F1 circuit – a penchant for delightful drifts being one of his trademarks.
Following the tire tracks of his illustrious father, Sainz assumed the monumental task of stepping into significant racing shoes, first at McLaren, where he succeeded his childhood idol Fernando Alonso, and now at Ferrari, sliding into the seat previously occupied by Sebastian Vettel.
Living in the shadow of sporting giants is no simple feat, yet Sainz has unfurled the mettle and disposition required to grapple with it. ¡Vamos!