Top 3 under-25 drivers in F1 right now

A few generations earlier, not only was it hard to break into F1, a driver had to clock in a lot of miles on circuits in the junior categories before they were considered fit and fast enough to drive the mean machines in the pinnacle of motorsport. Now, with more opportunities and simulator exercises, drivers are a lot more prepared and at a much younger age.

This has naturally resulted in drivers barely out of their teens having enough Super Licence points to make their F1 debuts. By the time they are 25, they have a potential to be seasoned campaigners with plenty of Grands Prix under their belt. The talented now seem to shine younger and brighter than before owing to this precociousness.

Here follows the list of the most talented under-25 drivers currently driving in Formula 1. It is a year of reckoning for all 3 - with a challenge different than the other. One with a new team, other with a new engine, the third with a new teammate - a world champion no less.

---

#3 Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spain)

Sainz at a press conference at Hungarian GP 2017

The McLaren bound Spaniard is 24 and is the oldest of the three, but has not had machinery to compete for podiums yet. However, in the first two seasons at Toro Rosso, he evenly matched Max Verstappen. He has started in 81 races across 4 seasons till date.

Sainz is clearly a talented driver who now finally has a chance to lead a team and build it around him. He is likely to struggle down the grid as compared to the two drivers ahead in the list though because of his machinery. It is a huge challenge to haul a squad like a struggling McLaren, if not the task of replacing his idol and F1 gold standard Fernando Alonso. Sainz however, is a winner like his champion rally driver dad Carlos Sainz Sr.

*All drivers featured are under 25 as of January 17, 2019.

#2 Charles Leclerc (Monaco)

Monégasque Charles Leclerc comes with high hopes to Ferrari

Charles Leclerc is the youngest Ferrari recruit in years. He was ear-marked for red overalls by the late Ferrari Chairman Sergio Marchionne after having impressed everyone with his championship winning years in Formula 3 and Formula 2 in a dominating manner.

His rapid rise through the ranks have been well-documented owing to his consistent performances. Throughout a stunning rookie year with Alfa Romeo Sauber that coincided with the Swiss team making rapid strides in the mid-field, his talent, calmness, and bravery were in ample display.

While yet to make a podium, his best-of-the-rest drives in 2018 have everyone in Maranello upbeat as he takes the other Ferrari seat alongside Sebastian Vettel. That people are willing to bet on him to be as quick if not quicker than the German is a testament how highly he is rated in the Formula 1 circles.

#1 Max Verstappen (Netherlands)

Max Verstappen after yet another podium finish

Taking the top-slot is, unsurprisingly, the rambunctious, pugnacious, fearless and lightning-quick Dutchman - Max Verstappen. Being the son of former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen and karting driver Sophie Kumpen, he had all the wherewithals to barnstorm his way into the sport - and he has done so in a manner which has been hitherto unseen.

He won the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix in his debut race for Red Bull Racing at the age of 18, becoming the youngest-ever winner and also the first racing under the Dutch flag. On the back of his best season yet, he is now the undisputed number 1 at Red Bull Honda and keen to make a title challenge.

In his 81 race starts, he has 5 wins and 22 podiums. If he wins the championship in 2019 or 2020, he'll be the sport's youngest world champion.