APEX RACEWIRE Newsroom
Rookies Under Pressure: Bearman Nears Race Ban, Antonelli in Spotlight
As Cadillac moves ambitiously toward the Formula 1 grid, young talents Ollie Bearman and Kimi Antonelli face distinct challenges of their own.
By Lesley Bakker - 2026-02-03T11:42:40.000Z - 2 min read
The buildup to Cadillac's entry onto the Formula 1 grid is catching more than just the eye of motorsport insiders; even Hollywood is paying attention. Actor Keanu Reeves is documenting the team's journey, following his previously award-winning series on Brawn F1. The ambition is palpable as the outfit reached a major milestone in Silverstone.
Under the watchful eye of Race Team Manager Pete Crolla, the season's first sea freight departed from the British headquarters. At the same time, the squad is already constructing the pit garage that will soon house the cars trackside for the very first time. Tension builds with every step toward their debut race.
Beside team preparations, the fate of the 2025 rookies remains under intense scrutiny. Ollie Bearman, currently driving for Haas, recently logged test mileage in Italy. Yet, times in the world championship are far from peaceful for him.
The young driver has picked up further penalty points on his F1 Super Licence. As a result, the Brit is hovering dangerously close to a potential race ban—a serious threat to his campaign.
The situation could hardly be more different for Mercedes talent Kimi Antonelli. The Italian teenager was recently thrust into the spotlight for a top-secret photoshoot as part of his team obligations outside the cockpit. Although dedicated to the task, his urge to get back behind the wheel remains as strong as ever.