5 Wonderkid Drivers To Watch Out For

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Happy Holidays everyone. As we look forward to a new year, let's also turn our eyes towards a new generation of F1 talent. 


You may have heard of the Oscar Piastris and Logan Sargents of the world, but how familiar are you with your favorite teams' new starlet? Take a stroll down this top five to find out. 


5. McLaren, Ugo Ugochukwu


McLaren fans will be ecstatic to know that not only does their team have a wonderkid in the wings, he's an American talent as well. Ugochukwu was snapped up by the Papayas after a crowning FIA OKJ European Championship season (basically karting championship of Europe). The now 14-year old has the entire gauntlet of Formulas ahead of him, but provided he receives positive marks during his current season in British F4, Ugochukwu is the driver every McLaren fan should have their eye on. 


4. Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli 


No need to spare the best for last here. Mercedes' young starlet has claimed the title in all but one of the seasons of car racing he's competed in. Even there, in the UAE F4 championship he finished 8th while only participating in 8 out of the 20 races. Italian, only 16, and signed to one of the premier drivers' academies on the grid, the sky is truly the limit for this F1-bound prospect. 


3. Alpine, Victor Martins


Though France were unable to claim World Cup glory for a second time this year, Alpine's French understudy reached the top of the podium twice in F3. His consistent run at the top of the grid landed him the title, and a fast-track into F2. Outclassing rivals such as Ferrari Academy Driver Arthur Leclerc, fellow Alpine junior Caio Collet, and overall fast man Ollie Bearman on his way to glory. Following in the steps of Oscar Piastri at Alpine seems like a nightmare waiting to happen, but if he's able to sign a contract elsewhere he's likely to make it into the world's premier Formula. 


2. Red Bull, Jak Crawford 


Red Bull's junior team is known for two things: ruthlessness and success. When it comes to volume, no team has ever produced the number of current F1 drivers that Helmut Marko's team have. This process of growth, testing, and distribution helps RBR keep hold of the best talents in the sport. Fans of Horner, Verstappen and/or Perez will be most excited about this young American though. Crawford has had a quiet, but consistent rise throughout his junior formula career. The Charloette native turns out for Prema, widely considered to be the best team in both F3 & F2. With a little more experience under his belt, the ultimate aim for next season is a title, and a berth into F2. 


1. Ferrari, Arthur Leclerc


Charles' brother is forging his own path up the ranks. Since signing with the Ferrari Drivers Academy in 2020, he has gone from Formula E, to F3, to F2 in the same number of years. With his brothers' genetics both in look and in speed, it's only a matter of time before he reaches the pinnacle. 




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