Lewis Hamilton has backed Kenzo Craigie for big things (Image: Getty)
In 2025, both halves of ’ driver pairing will have graduated from the team’s junior programme. While and are the headline stars of the Silver Arrows’ youth development system, there are plenty more exciting talents in the pipeline.
One of the most exciting prospects rising through the youth ranks is Kenzo Craigie. The 14-year-old Brit joined the young driver programme in 2023 and responded by becoming the FIA karting world champion in the OK-Junior category the following year.
Craigie’s role model, , has also taken a keen interest in the young Brit’s development. The teenager, who races in karting with the number 44 as an homage to the seven-time world champion, was even welcomed into the garage at the United States Grand Prix.
Another young prospect who has ’ backing is Doriane Pin, who is returning to the F1 Academy series in 2025 for a shot at the title. The 21-year-old arrived in the single-seater world with plenty of pedigree, too, after establishing herself as a leading talent in endurance racing.
Unfortunately for the French racer, she couldn’t get the better of the imperious Abbi Pulling and was forced to settle for second place in the 2024 F1 Academy standings. However, a title tilt is expected in 2025, and Pin undoubtedly has the talent to carve out a successful career, be that in single-seaters or endurance racing.
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Doriane Pin is representing Mercedes in F1 Academy (Image: Getty)
If Craigie and Pin can make it to F1, they’ll have the backing of Hamilton. The legendary Brit even nominated the duo as his preferred drivers if he ever purchases a team in his post-driving career.
“Kenzo and Doriane,” he answered when asked who he would sign as a team owner. “She’s a badass. If I was to make a team – maybe one day I will – it will be diverse from the beginning.”
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While Frederik Vesti is still a member of ’ junior team, the final starlet on our shortlist is Alex Powell, who has been contracted to the Silver Arrows’ youth programme since 2019.
The 17-year-old Jamaican is making steady progress through the junior ranks, although his programme for 2025 has yet to be confirmed. Six podiums and a P5 overall finish were the headline achievements from his rookie campaign in the Italian F4 Championship in 2024.