Rookies Antonelli and Bearman highlight 'crazy' factor of racing alongside Alonso and Hamilton

The rookies both laugh when they realise that Alonso has been competing in Formula 1 since 2001. Antonelli could hardly contain his laughter, ‘’It's crazy when he started in F1, I wasn't even in my parent's mind. Neither his!’’ The 18-year-old Italian stated while looking at fellow rookie Bearman.

Alonso started his career with Minardi before moving to Renault, where he won his two world titles in 2005 and 2006, the years which Bearman and Antonelli were born.

Bearman continued: "It's scary to think that Alonso, I think before my parents met, was already racing in Formula 1 which is crazy. But to share the track with him, with Lewis, for example, is quite incredible actually. These guys have been there for so long and have so much experience.’’

Alonso and Hamilton are both heroes of Bearman and Antonelli, which the Brit mentioned. ‘’You grow up watching these guys on TV. Lewis was winning everything when we were growing up and now we are racing against him, it's pretty cool," says Ollie Bearman.

Antonelli and Bearman are having a solid rookie season. Mercedes' Antonelli has scored 38 points so far and sits sixth in the championship. A new documentary is set to be released on Netflix detailing the start of Antonelli's journey at Mercedes.

Bearman, meanwhile, is tied for eleventh place with six points. The American Haas team sits sixth in the 2025 constructors championship so far after five rounds. The midfield is extremely close this season, meaning that Bearman will have to continue battling for every single point for the remainder of the 2025 season.

This article was written in collaboration with Hidde Korte