McLaren boss Stella issues ‘brutal’ F1 warning to rookies

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has warned F1 rookies to expect a “brutal” environment when they join the grid.

Next year there will be at least three rookies on the F1 field as Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan have all been confirmed.

Liam Lawson, who has just five grand prix starts to his name, and McLaren junior Gabriel Bortoleto have also been linked to drives at Red Bull and Stake F1 respectively.

Williams has also opted to call up Franco Colapinto for the remainder of the season in place of Logan Sargeant.

The opportunities have come despite drivers not having much time to test up-to-date machinery, with pre-season and post-season testing, as well as FP1 outings, offering the only chances.

Despite the on-track opportunities being slashed in recent years, Stella highlighted the high volume of rookies on next year's grid is showing access is not an issue.

“Well, I think this is a good indication that despite, for instance, not having much testing, not having many opportunities for the young drivers to actually develop experience and show their qualities, actually, we have ways for them to access F1.”

“It’s good because they deserve the opportunity.”

Stella: Modern F1 drivers arrive with 'higher level'

Teams are allowed to run drivers in private tests using F1 machinery that is at least two years old.

Antonelli, who will race for Mercedes next season, has been carrying out an extensive testing programme this year to prepare him for his full-time opportunity.

Labelling F1 as “brutal”, Stella highlighted the quality of drivers that have entered the sport in recent years has increased compared to seasons gone by.

”I think every cycle of young drivers, it seem like they come with even a higher level,” he said.

“So it's exciting to see what they will be able to do at the same time. F1 is relatively brutal in how competitive it is, how selective it is.

“It's good that they have the opportunity, and now we will be up to them to capitalise on that and try and use the best of their talents and keep growing. But I think it's good news for F1.”