For the second year in a row, the FIA Rookie of the Year award was not handed to a Formula 1 driver.

The award was last won by an F1 driver in 2023 when Oscar Piastri took the title. This year, it went to Formula 3 champion and Ferrari talent Rafael Câmara at the prizegiving event in Uzbekistan.

The Brazilian dominated proceedings in his debut season in the junior series, sealing the title with a race weekend remaining after winning four Grands Prix across the season.

Câmara will make the move to Formula 2 for the 2026 season, joining British team Invicta Racing next year, completing a post-season test with the outfit.

Rafael Câmara also had five pole positions to his name in what was a dominant 2025 season - Photo: Race Pictures

Who was F1's rookie of the year?

This year, no less than seven rookies take to the track in an action-packed 2025 season.

Kimi Antonelli was the highest finishing rookie in the drivers' standings, finishing in P7 with 150 points to his name, and despite a tough European stretch in the middle of the season, an impressive sprint pole at the Miami Grand Prix and three podium finishes highlighted the potential for the 19-year-old in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bulls was next in the standings with 51 points and a P12 finish, and a fantastic season saw him get the call to join Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season. A podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix was the best result for the French-Algerian drivers.

Isack Hadjar with his first podium in Formula 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

The Haas of Oliver Bearman was just a place behind with 41 points, and the Brit was very impressive for the American team, outscoring teammate Esteban Ocon in the process. The best performance for the 20-year-old was his stunning P4 finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Just three points behind was Liam Lawson with a P14 championship finish. It was a rollercoaster of a season for the New Zealander, who was dropped by Red Bull just two races into the campaign. However, a strong stint in the Racing Bulls saw him keep his seat for the 226 season, and he will be joined by rookie Arvid Lindblad.

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Gabriel Bortoleto was five places behind Lawson, finishing his debut campaign with 19 points for Sauber. There were bright sparks for the 21-year-old, and next season with Audi brings plenty of optimism.

The pair of Alpine drivers of Jack Doohan and Franco Colapinto both came below the Brazlian and finished without points. Doohan had only six races in a disastrous F1 stint before he was then replaced by Colapinto. The Argentine driver did enough to stay at the French team for the 2026 season alongside Pierre Gasly despite missing out on points.

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