Drivers to Keep an Eye On: F1 Edition (Part 1)

The road to Formula 1 has never been more competitive, and spotting the stars of tomorrow has become just as compelling as watching the world champions of today. After highlighting NASCAR’s up-and-coming talents earlier this summer, it’s time to turn our attention to the next wave of F1 hopefuls. Using an MLB-style “ETA” prediction system, here are five young drivers to keep on your radar, and please note these drivers are not ranked by skill.

Freddie Slater – Age 17

Few F1 hopefuls have put together the résumé Freddie Slater has in such a short time. In 2024, Slater claimed two F4 titles before stepping up in 2025 to win the Formula Regional European Championship and finish runner-up in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship, where he also captured the rookie cup.

Slater made his Formula 3 debut this season, scoring a sprint race podium and immediately proving he belongs in the fight against highly touted rivals. He has not yet signed with an F1 driver academy, but McLaren and Audi are reportedly vying for his signature. His management group is the same that represents Lando Norris, which could further strengthen his connections. 2026 will be his first full season of F3 so it will be interesting to see what he has.

F1 ETA: 2029

Fionn McLaughlin – Age 17

Ireland’s Fionn McLaughlin made the leap from a decorated karting career to cars in 2025, and he wasted no time making an impression. Competing in the Formula Winter Series, he finished third overall with three wins, while also leading the British F4 championship heading into its finale.

McLaughlin joined the Red Bull Junior Team in 2024, and so far he’s showing exactly what the program values most: consistent winning. If he continues this form, the path up Red Bull’s ladder could accelerate quickly, though no 2026 plans have been confirmed yet.

F1 ETA: 2030

Kenzo Craigie – Age 14

Mercedes junior Kenzo Craigie is just 14 years old but already one of the brightest prospects in karting. He captured a karting world championship and has been nearly unstoppable over the past two years at the top level of the discipline.

Craigie hasn’t yet made the switch to cars, though many expect that move soon. His name is already being whispered in comparison to Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the last Mercedes junior to rise quickly through the ranks. With Lewis Hamilton and George Russell secure but Mercedes’ long-term future still in flux, Craigie is a prospect the team will watch closely.

F1 ETA: 2030

Luna Fluxá – Age 15

Another Mercedes-backed talent, Luna Fluxá, is already making headlines as one of the sport’s most promising young women. At just 15,she has claimed an FIA Karting title and was recognized with the Rising Star award in early 2025.

Fluxá continues to hone her craft in karting, and while no plans for 2026 have been announced, the expectation is another year at the highest level of karts with possible single-seater outings. Her trajectory could place her in a prime position to bypass F1 Academy and rise through the traditional ladder if Mercedes commits to her long-term.

F1 ETA: 2032

Sebastian Wheldon – Age 16

Carrying one of the most recognizable last names in racing, Sebastian Wheldon is on his way to stardom. The eldest son of IndyCar legend "Lionheart" Dan Wheldon, Sebastian has already picked up a championship in the Skip Barber Series and wins in YACademy Winter Series, while finishing runner-up. He has also collected podiums in USF Juniors.

2025 has been a good year: Wheldon sits third in Italian F4, placed inside the top 10 in the Formula 4 Middle East series, and currently ranks fifth in Euro 4. Though backed by Andretti Global on the IndyCar side, there’s growing speculation that Cadillac’s F1 program could be his eventual landing spot. Curently Dan Towriss looks to be keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to the F1 team and its plans. If no F1 chance comes to fruition, he’ll have the safety net of IndyCar waiting at Andretti, but his current path seems to be on the F1 route in my opinion .

F1 ETA: 2031

Conclusion on these F1 hopefuls

Projecting drivers’ arrival to Formula 1 is practially impossible given all the different outcomes ( I think only Doctor Strange knows), but the names above are already generating buzz in paddocks worldwide. Freddie Slater looks closest to a breakthrough out of everyone on the list right now, while McLaughlin has the backing of Red Bull’s formidable program. Younger talents like Craigie and Fluxá still have years to grow, but with the right timing, they could emerge just as F1 teams refresh their lineups. Wheldon, meanwhile, carries the legacy and with Cadillac wanting an American star in F1 that makes him a major prospect with the support he has.

The future of F1 is full of question marks but right not it looks like the pipeline of talent is stronger than ever.