P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Stand-out rookie performances from Oliver Bearman and Franco Colapinto show the strength of Formula 1 academy programmes, according to Formula 2 and Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel.
The 2024 F1 grid initially saw the return of the same 20 drivers as the previous season, creating a stagnant driver market until Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari for 2025 shook things up. Liam Lawson, previously overlooked, got his chance at Faenza, while Bearman’s impressive performance at Ferrari led to his signing with Haas for 2025. Antonelli and Lawson have secured spots in next year’s grid and Lawson is seen as potentially auditioning for a Red Bull-owned team contract in 2025. These young drivers’ success can be attributed to their membership in F1 team academies, where they receive specialized training and guidance throughout their careers. The prevalence of academy drivers in F2 and F3 shows the importance and effectiveness of these development programs in nurturing future F1 talents.
