The excitement is building as Formula 1 gears up for the 2025 season, and Sky Sports F1 is ensuring fans don’t miss out on any action with its comprehensive pre-season coverage. This year, the grid is graced with several rookies, but the definition of what constitutes a rookie is becoming increasingly blurred. While some drivers may claim rookie status, seasoned observers aren't so sure.
Among the newcomers, Liam Lawson stands out, commencing his first full season after having already competed eleven times over two previous spells. Oliver Bearman, who filled in for both Ferrari and Haas last year, is also ready to start his first complete campaign with Haas. Alpine's Jack Doohan made his debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last season, giving him early exposure to F1 dynamics.
Adding to the mix, Andrea Kimi Antonelli is poised to make his debut at the Australian GP on March 16, taking over Lewis Hamilton’s seat at Mercedes. Alongside him are Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar, the other drivers entering the sport for the first time.
Sky Sports has launched new initiatives to keep fans engaged, rolling out their complete coverage of all practice, qualifying, and races live through their Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle. This new deal allows fans to access more than 100 TV channels plus free subscriptions to Netflix and Discovery+, providing more options for entertainment.
Wednesday saw discussions around the rookie classification kick off as Sky Sports' commentator David Croft and pit lane reporter Ted Kravitz took contrasting views. “I’m sorry - Antonelli, Hadjar, and Bortoleto are the only true rookies, because they haven’t done a Grand Prix before,” Kravitz stated, prompting analysis and banter between the duo and fellow commentator Natalie Pinkham.
Croft forcefully countered, “So once you’ve done a Grand Prix, you’re not a rookie anymore?” to which Kravitz responded, “If you want to call it a ‘seasoned rookie,’ then I’m with you, Crofty. But true rookies have never done a Grand Prix before.”
This back-and-forth showcases the debates echoing throughout the paddock, reflecting various perspectives on driver experience and rookie status. According to Kravitz, only the drivers who haven’t completed any Grand Prix races can be considered rookies. Meanwhile, Croft argues for the inclusion of those who have some experience but lack full seasons under their belts.
“But to me, get a season under your belt. You are entitled to go for the rookie cup - and they should have a rookie cup this year for the best rookie - if you haven’t completed a full season,” added Croft, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many who feel experience should be considered.
The discussions highlighted the competitive nature of F1 and how the arrival of new talent adds intrigue. Kravitz quipped, “What are we Ted, 45 minutes [into testing] and we’ve already got our first disagreement?” showcasing the distinct opinions prevalent among the show’s commentators.
Digging even more beneath the surface of the F1 universe, Sky Sports has also premiered its new podcast, The F1 Show. This podcast features familiar voices from its television coverage—Bernie Collins, Ted Kravitz, and Simon Lazenby—and promises to keep fans informed and entertained with insights throughout the 2025 season.
Listeners can now tune in as these experts discuss everything from technical developments to race strategies and personal anecdotes. The F1 Show will not only recap live events but will also feature listener interactions, responding to questions sent by fans at the end of each episode.
The show's first episode provides listeners with reviews of recent events, including reflections on F1 75 Live. During the lively discussions, they shared their thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari and assessed the performance of new car models, including the highly anticipated McLaren MCL39. “Ted then offered his assessment of the 2025 cars,” showing the depth of analysis listeners can expect.
With back-and-forth commentary and rich podcasts, Sky Sports F1 coverage provides fans with multiple avenues to engage with their favorite sport. The podcast allows listeners to absorb information and stories at their own pace, paving the way for more thorough discussions.
With the Australian Grand Prix quickly approaching, the 2025 season promises to be full of surprises, heated rivalries, and the thrilling presence of fresh talent. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to Sky Sports to watch every moment live and experience the high-speed action as it unfurls.