F1 entry list 2025: Bortoleto and Doohan bring back numbers of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen
01/01/2025 08:40 AM
All set, or almost, for 2025
While waiting to see how the new potential line-ups of Red Bull and Racing Bulls will unfold (both dependent on Sergio Perez's confirmation and with the Faenza team yet to officially announce Yuki Tsunoda's teammate), the 2025 championship will feature fresh changes on the grid, with the official debut of some drivers who had already participated in practice sessions and races this year.
The four new faces
Australian Jack Doohan will team up with Pierre Gasly after replacing Esteban Ocon in the final Abu Dhabi GP. Ocon, in turn, is set to start the next season with Haas, where he will partner with rookie Oliver Bearman. The term “rookie” is loosely applied, as Bearman had already stepped in for Ferrari during the Saudi Arabian GP to replace the unavailable Carlos Sainz and later joined Haas in Baku and Interlagos, both times substituting for Kevin Magnussen. Haas will therefore feature a completely revamped line-up, much like Sauber. At Sauber, Nico Hülkenberg participated in post-season tests in Abu Dhabi alongside the fresh F2 champion and FIA Rookie of the Year, Gabriel Bortoleto. Lastly, another significant newcomer is Andrea Kimi Antonelli from Bologna, who joins Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton's departure.
Number choices and iconic returns
The four drivers have also selected their permanent racing numbers, which they will carry throughout their Formula 1 careers. It is worth noting that only the world champion has the right to use #1, as is currently the case with Max Verstappen. But what numbers will the new entries use?
Bortoleto will bring back the #5, previously associated with world champion Sebastian Vettel. Similarly, Doohan will adopt #7, famously used by another champion, Kimi Raikkonen. The Australian initially aimed for #12 in honor of his idol Ayrton Senna, but that number had already been claimed by Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Oliver Bearman, meanwhile, takes the “record” for the highest number on the grid, #87.
If Liam Lawson is confirmed at Racing Bulls, the New Zealander will retain his #30. However, if Isack Hadjar is promoted, there is no confirmation yet regarding the number the Frenchman will choose.
