Antonelli, who is George Russell’s new team-mate, is one of six rookies on the grid this season. Three of them already have F1 race experience, but have not completed a full season.

Briton Oliver Bearman, 19, replaces Kevin Magnussen at Haas, having impressed during three race starts last year, including stepping in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari in Saudi Arabia.

New Zealand’s Liam Lawson is Verstappen’s new partner at Red Bull, after competing in 11 races for their junior team in 2023 and 2024.

Australian Jack Doohan, son of five-time MotoGP world champion Mick Doohan, made his debut for Alpine in Abu Dhabi in December after being signed up for a full campaign this year.

Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, 20, joins Sauber while the man he beat to the title, Isack Hadjar, is with Racing Bulls, who were known as RB last season.

After 206 grands prix and four wins he is certainly no rookie, but Spaniard Sainz is now at Williams after Hamilton took his seat at Ferrari.