Max Verstappen pinpoints strongest two 2025 F1 rookies: 'The raw talents'

Max Verstappen has rated Gabriel Bortoleto and Kimi Antonelli above all the 2025 F1 rookies, insisting they are the duo with the most "raw talent."

Verstappen acted as a role model for the rookies last season and was often seen interacting with Bortoleto and Antonelli in particular.

The four-time world champion already had small relationships with many of the rookies ahead of their debuts, having interacted with them while racing on simulators.

Many of the rookies reached out to Verstappen for advice last season, something the Dutchman was more than happy to provide.

Addressing himself having no issue handing out advice to rookie drivers, Verstappen told Viaplay: "No, not really. It's also not that I necessarily asked for that.

"But that just goes very naturally now. Those guys also come a bit from the sim world. You know each other a bit from that. Then you already have a bit more of a connection.

"Of course they are a lot younger than me, but they are just really nice. Then I'm not going to be blunt. They're just super nice guys, and I just get along with that."

Who was the most impressive rookie?

It was an impressive season for all the rookies, with Verstappen's new team-mate Isack Hadjar and Antonelli having both made an appearance on the podium. 

However, with each having very different cars, picking one as the most impressive is too difficult a task.

Asked which rookie impressed him the most, Verstappen said: "That's hard to say. They have all impressed at certain times. 

"And again, as rookies, they made their mistakes. That's typical for a rookie. So nobody was completely consistent, but you shouldn't expect that from a rookie either."

While Verstappen failed to answer which rookie impressed him the most, he did have an answer for who he believes is the quickest.

"I think Bortoleto along with Kimi are really the raw talents in terms of potential," Verstappen pointed out.