Gallery: The Grueling, Highly Trained, Grueling Life of an F1 Rookie

  • Image may contain Carlos Sainz Jr. Clothing Apparel Human Person Sleeve People Long Sleeve Helmet Sport and Sports
    Scuderia Toro Rosso
    01

    Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen - Lifestyle

    Carlos Sainz, Jr. and Max Verstappen are both rookies driving for Scuderia Toro Rosso.
  • Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Automobile Car Formula One Wheel and Machine
    Scuderia Toro Rosso
    02

    Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice

    Just 17 when the season started, Verstappen is the youngest F1 driver ever.
  • Image may contain Carlos Sainz Jr. Clothing Apparel Human Person Hat Finger Tarmac and Asphalt
    Scuderia Toro Rosso
    03

    F1 Grand Prix of Mexico - Practice

    In 2015, Sainz has seven top ten finishes in 17 races.
  • Image may contain Tire Transportation Car Vehicle Formula One Automobile Wheel Machine Spoke and Alloy Wheel
    Scuderia Toro Rosso
    04

    F1 Grand Prix of Monaco - Qualifying

    Verstappen has nine, plus a pair of fourth place finishes.
  • Image may contain Spoke and Machine
    Scuderia Toro Rosso
    05

    F1 Grand Prix of Russia - Practice

    Despite their youth, it’s no surprise the two rookies ended up in Formula One. Sainz’s father, Carlos Sainz, Sr., was an all-time great rally driver. Verstappen’s father Jos was a successful F1 driver.
  • Image may contain Transportation Car Vehicle Automobile Wheel Machine and Formula One
    Scuderia Toro Rosso
    06

    Spanish F1 Grand Prix - Qualifying

    The rookies followed the same career trajectory, starting off racing karts as children, then moving into lesser Formula series (think minor leagues) before being called up to the pinnacle of motorsports this year.
Read More
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergens, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
28 Amazing STEM Toys Approved by WIRED Kids
We found lots of math-filled and science-rich toys for tiny nerds to assemble, bake, squish—or even tear apart and rebuild.
Simon Hill
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The Best Dorm Room Essentials for New and Returning College Students
Deck out your room and make class a cinch with these WIRED-tested favorites.
Louryn Strampe
The 10 Best WIRED-Tested Pet Cameras
Whether you’re near or far, keep an eye on your fur baby with our favorite pet cameras.
Molly Higgins
The Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant Critic
Here are the best delivery services and meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s meal service, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
The Best Pet Hair Vacuums We Tried at Home
Cordless, handheld, robot, and traditional—we tested them all to find the vacuum that’s fantastic for fur.
Molly Higgins
23 Gift Ideas for the Cook in Your Life
From the best air fryer to frying pans to knife sharpeners anyone can use, these ideas will keep the curious home chef in your life tinkering away.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Portable Power Stations for Blackouts, Camping, or Van Life
Whether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.
Simon Hill
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu