Franco Colapinto has shown that rookies can step up from Formula 2 and deliver at the highest level in Formula 1 with little preparation time.
The Argentinian driver was immediately on the pace when he made his debut at the Italian Grand Prix, making decisive moves in the midfield.
Colapinto has developed over his four race starts so far in F1, scoring points twice and being an improvement over his predecessor, Logan Sargeant.
The Williams driver is also knocking on the door of a drive in the championship next season, as Sauber are looking at Colapinto as Nico Hulkenberg’s possible teammate.
Yet despite his good form, Ted Kravitz has told the Sky Sports F1 Podcast that two drivers currently battling in Formula 2 could have more potential than Colapinto.
Ted Kravitz feels Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto could be ‘even better’ than Franco Colapinto
The Formula 2 championship is very competitive, and the title battle between Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto has been hard-fought.
Both drivers are linked to Formula 1 teams in Red Bull and McLaren, which may allow them to have a more straightforward pathway to F1 if they are ready.
READ MORE: Campos chief labels Gabriel Bortoleto as ‘extremely lucky’ amid F2 title fight
Despite the pair being formidable in the junior categories, they have much less experience than Colapinto in F1, and Bortoleto hasn’t yet driven in an FP1 session.
But Kravitz believes that Hadjar and Bortoleto could have more potential than Colapinto due to their impressive performances in Formula 2.
He said: “I think Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar could then be as good as Colapinto or even better. Well, they’re leading him at the moment.”
Both Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar could be on the F1 grid next season
All of Colapinto, Bortoleto and Hadjar are potential candidates to be on the Formula 1 grid in 2025. But Bortoleto may also be why Colapinto is not in F1 next year when Carlos Sainz joins Alex Albon at Williams.
The Brazilian driver has also been linked to Sauber for the 2025 Formula 1 season, although some time as an F1 reserve driver for Bortoleto may aid his development before racing in the series full-time.
Bortoleto’s links to McLaren could make a deal with the Swiss team difficult ahead of next season and his lack of experience in F1 cars may make him a risky signing.
Hadjar may also have an opportunity to compete in Formula 1 at Visa Cash App RB if there were to be a seat available alongside Yuki Tsunoda.
Liam Lawson drove well at the United States Grand Prix for RB and may race for Red Bull next year if Sergio Perez continues to underperform, opening the door for Hadjar at the junior team.