Outside Line: Future of Formula 1 in good hands with Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto
F1 OpinionSaturday, 28 March 2026 at 20:26
Formula 1 can today boast a trio of young drivers we will have on our radar for years to come. Let's hear it for Kimi Antonelli, Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto. Take a bow, boys. You delivered at Suzuka on Saturday. You are the Real Deals.
Why single them out? Because on Saturday, at the end of qualifying for the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, all three had beaten their senior teammates. Two against expectations, and one who is making a habit of beating a veteran.
In pole-winner Antonelli, we have seen a kid who started the season slightly out of his depth, one could say. But he gathered himself well, and since then has shown himself to be a stupendous driver, one who delivers under pressure. Now with that character-building rookie season under his belt, he has delivered against expectations.
What were those expectations? Simple. Mercedes has a rocket ship that is going to win the world championship. You may have heard it here first: Toto Wolff's team already look like they have the 2026 F1 Constructors’ Championship wrapped up, and there are still 20 races to go.
Furthermore, while we are making predictions, I have stuck $100 on Antonelli being World Champion, but that is a story for another time.
Now let's talk about Saturday at Suzuka. That glorious track. The most challenging track for drivers. A hallowed place where all the greats have won, and some have died. It is the a place that separates the Men from the Boys. And on Saturday, the three Boys were Men, at the top of their game.
Antonelli can thank Russell for helping him out
Starting with Antonelli, how often have we seen him on the cusp of elimination in Q1 or Q2, and then suddenly, with his final effort, he puts the car into the top five or six? One shot. And he gets it done. No surprise for the observant.
A great deal of credit has to go to Antonelli's teammate George Russell. Tipped to be F1 World Champion by just about everyone, the 28-year-old has matured into a team leader while helping the younger driver adapt to the big league.
Rather than beat him into submission, as Max Verstappen has often done with his teammates, Russell has had Antonelli in his corner, offering advice and mentoring. That is old school sportsmanship. Rare these days. Although he may regret it one day.
But how can you not be impressed by Antonelli? He is the most likeable guy on the grid right now. That boy smile and energy. That clear enjoyment of driving a car that, yes, may be superior, but he is still beating Russell. Forget the excuses. There are always excuses.
The stats tell the story. In three Grands Prix this season, Russell has started from pole once, while Antonelli is set to do it for a second time.
If Ferrari and McLaren do not get their heads around these cars soon, we are looking at a straight fight for the Drivers’ Championship between the two Mercedes drivers. And from what we are seeing, this will not be a walk in the park for Russell. He will have to earn it.
Hadjar beating Verstappen is a big deal
Now, not quite at the front, but still delivering beyond expectations, was Isack Hadjar. He has started his season in strong form. Let's be honest, there is no tougher job in Formula 1 than being Max Verstappen’s teammate.
The four-time F1 World Champion has left a trail of 'broken' teammates behind him. And we know Red Bull is Verstappen’s team.
Perhaps it is Hadjar’s good fortune that the Red Bull RB22 is a troublesome car. So much so that even Verstappen is struggling to fully understand it, experimenting with setups, typically pushing hard and at times overdriving in an effort to get closer to the front.
While all that attention is on Verstappen, Hadjar has clearly been putting in the work, getting a handle on the car. So much so that he outqualified Max on Saturday. That is a rare feat.
It is not only a boost for Hadjar, it is also performances like these that establish him as one of those drivers who will be around for a long time. Yes, his temperament has been questioned in the past, but it is endearing for those who like their sport with a dollop of true passion.
Having said that, what we are seeing now appears to be a calmer Hadjar, more grown-up, less hysterical, going about his business at one of Formula 1’s biggest teams. And delivering.
Bortoleto owning veteran Hulkenberg
Which brings us to the third name. Gabriel Bortoleto. Unlike the other two, he is building his reputation more quietly. Out of the glaring spotlight of a big team. Throughout his rookie year at Sauber, the Brazilian has shown solid pace, consistency, and a commitment to his sport that has endeared him to fans.
He is probably fortunate to be up against Nico Hülkenberg, a journeyman who is respected in the paddock, but not necessarily the ultimate benchmark for a young driver.
That said, Hülkenberg is still a yardstick. And Bortoleto is beating him. This was the 14th time Bortoleto has outqualified Hülkenberg in 27 sessions as teammates. On Saturday at Suzuka, it was the same story.
Bortoleto made it into P9, while Hülkenberg will start P13. When it mattered, the older driver was four-tenths slower than his teammate. That is a big gap.
So there you have it. Three young drivers who outshone their more illustrious teammates. For me, that was the highlight of the afternoon at Suzuka. Because what we are seeing is the future of Formula 1. Three drivers who will only deepen the incredible pool of talent currently on the grid.
In 50 years of following this sport like a religion, I do not recall a time when there were so many good drivers on the grid at once. Antonelli. Hadjar. Bortoleto. They are going to be with us for a long time. And deservedly so.
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