Writers Inga Stracke and Gerhard Schiede give their lowdown on the opening weekends of the F1
Formula 1 is the ultimate stage in motorsport, with legendary drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton earning multi-million-dollar salaries as they race on some of the world’s most iconic circuits, such as the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton, the seven-time World Champion, has recently made waves by signing with Italy’s renowned Ferrari team at the age of 40, reportedly earning USD$ 60 million per year.
Meanwhile, the ever-charismatic Fernando Alonso, now 43, continues to defy age, showing that F1 drivers can thrive well into their 40s.
However, for the record-breaking six rookies entering the sport this season, proving their worth is a far steeper challenge.The path to an F1 cockpit is gruelling, costly, and fiercely competitive.
But once you’ve made it, the pressure to perform is relentless. It’s a constant battle for survival in a sport where the slightest mistake can cost you your seat. And for the rookies, this pressure is even more acute.
With the eyes of the world on them, there is no margin for error. Take young Frenchman Isaak Hadjar (Racing Bulls), for example. Just before the start of the season’s opener in Australia, Hadjar posted a selfie with his idol, Lewis Hamilton, showcasing the excitement of being in F1.
However, the moment of joy was short-lived, as his race ended before it even began; he crashed on the formation lap.
Even Red Bull team boss Christian Horner reminded everyone that these young drivers are “just kids,” still learning to handle the pressure.
These are kids, however, who are trained to be high-performance athletes, much like figure skaters or Olympic gymnasts, and are already earning USD $1 million a year.
Meanwhile, Kiwi Liam Lawson, fresh from a step-up in his career to Red Bull’s number two seat alongside Max Verstappen, is already under threat of losing his seat to other up-and-coming talent.
Similarly, Australian Jack Doohan, son of five-time MotoGP champion Mick Doohan, faces the constant shadow of speculation about his future, with Argentine Franco Colapinto reportedly being supported by team boss Flavio Briatore.
For these rookies, the mental strain is immeasurable. They are expected to perform at the highest level despite the weight of expectation not only from their teams and fans but from their own families, who have often invested years, if not decades, into their development.
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The mental pressure to succeed is arguably the most taxing part of their journey. “Pressure has been part of my life since joining the Red Bull junior programme six years ago.
There’s always an expectation to perform, and now, the pressure is to keep a full-time seat,” Liam Lawson explains, crediting regular 6am calls with Dr Helmut Marko for building his resilience.
“Without that pressure from a young age, I don’t think I could handle it, or five years of Helmut.”
Carlos Sainz, a seasoned driver at Williams, explains the toll that short-term contracts can take on a racer’s mindset.
“When you know you can’t make a mistake, it changes how you drive. You don’t take risks, you don’t drive instinctively, you think too much,” he reveals.
“With a two- or three-year contract, you can afford to make mistakes and come back stronger. But when you’re on a short-term deal, every race feels like make-or-break.”
Support is vital for any rookie in the F1 world. Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber is known for checking in on his protégé, Oscar Piastri, to ensure that he’s receiving the same support and equipment as teammate Lando Norris at McLaren.
Likewise, Fernando Alonso is checking in on his mentee, Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, who races for Sauber.
In contrast, Mercedes seems to be offering a less pressurised environment for its newcomer, Kimi Antonelli, which may explain his solid performances in the early stages of his career.
Despite the pressure, F1 enforces a strict no-profanities policy, adding extra stress for drivers. Saying profanities on-air can result in hefty fines: €40,000 for a first offense, up to €120,000 (AED 480,000) for the third, with further penalties including suspension and points deductions.
It’s yet another challenge in an environment where every moment is under scrutiny.
For more information, visit formula1.com
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