March 4, 2001: when Räikkönen and Alonso debuted in F1

One of the most beautiful rookie skewers in the history of the Formula 1. This March 4, 2001 at the Australian Grand Prix, four kids made their first appearance in the big leagues. If Enrique Bernoldi will quickly be forgotten by everyone, the other three names will mark Formula 1 forever.

And from their first steps, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya stand out. If in the end it is again Germany who wins, with a superb performance of Michael Schumacher, the attraction of the Australian Grand Prix is ​​indeed the three rookies.

Montoya made a promising start to the race with his Williams-BMW. He was in 3rd position when on the 41st lap an oil pipe problem occurred which ruined his hopes of a podium finish. The Colombian will dry his tears later in the season as he will already win the Italian GP at Monza.

Fernando Alonso made an impression by bringing his Minardi to twelfth place, despite a 10-second penalty for speeding in the pits. A very good performance considering the car, Alonso already demonstrates undeniable talent.

If the rookies outperformed for their first race in F1, it is mainly thanks to Kimi Raikkonen who is doing well. The young Finn already stood out the day before during qualifying with a 13th place on the starting grid.

He finished in the points for his first GP, finishing 6th thanks to a fast and constant race, his future trademark. “It's like he's been doing this all his life,” says Sauber chief engineer Jacky Eeckelaert.

The three young drivers quickly demonstrated the full extent of their talent. This potential is confirmed by their extraordinary careers. Two Formula 1 world champions, on one side Kimi Raikkonen 2007 world champion and record holder for participation in F1, on the other the double world champion 2005 and 2006.

If for his part Montoya has never been crowned in the premier category, he will have won 7 Grand Prix! His career is impressive in its diversity, NASCAR and in Indy Car with victories at the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 24 Hours.

The 2001 Australian Grand Prix is ​​the starting point of three destinies which have marked motorsport, the succession was already assured.