Dirty Tricks and Deception: Formula 1’s Biggest Scandals and Betrayals

Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton Clash in Canada (2011)

McLaren teammates Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton had a complicated relationship, which reached a boiling point at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix. In the wet conditions, Hamilton tried to pass Button on the straight, but Button moved across the track, forcing Hamilton into the pit wall. Hamilton retired from the race, while Button went on to secure a dramatic victory.

Hamilton Feels Betrayed by Button’s Aggressive Move

Hamilton was furious after the race, believing Button had intentionally pushed him off track. Button, on the other hand, claimed he hadn’t seen Hamilton in his mirrors. The incident deepened tensions between the two British drivers, with Hamilton feeling that his own teammate had taken him out of contention in a race he had a strong chance of winning.

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso’s McLaren Feud (2007)

McLaren had high hopes when they paired reigning world champion Fernando Alonso with rookie Lewis Hamilton in 2007. However, the relationship quickly soured as Hamilton proved to be just as fast as Alonso. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Alonso deliberately held Hamilton up in the pits to ruin his qualifying lap, sparking massive controversy.

Spygate Scandal and Alonso’s Exit from McLaren

Tensions between Alonso and McLaren reached their peak when Alonso allegedly threatened to expose McLaren’s involvement in the infamous Spygate scandal, where the team was found guilty of possessing confidential Ferrari data. This led to McLaren being fined $100 million and disqualified from the championship. Alonso left McLaren after just one season, unable to work alongside Hamilton and the team any longer.

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton Take Each Other Out in Spain (2016)

Mercedes dominated Formula 1 in the hybrid era, but the rivalry between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton led to numerous clashes. At the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, the tension between them exploded as they fought for the lead. On the first lap, Rosberg defended his position aggressively, forcing Hamilton onto the grass. Hamilton lost control and took both cars out of the race.

Rosberg Retires After Winning the Championship

The relationship between Rosberg and Hamilton continued to deteriorate after the crash, with Mercedes struggling to manage their feuding drivers. After an intense season-long battle, Rosberg won his first and only world championship in 2016. Just days later, he shocked the world by announcing his retirement, admitting he had given everything to beat Hamilton and could not go through another season of their toxic rivalry.

Sebastian Vettel Ignores Team Orders and Defies Mark Webber (2013)

Red Bull’s dominant era was marred by internal conflicts between Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. The most infamous moment came at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix when Red Bull issued a “Multi 21” order, instructing Vettel to hold position behind Webber. Vettel ignored the order, overtook Webber, and took the victory, leaving his teammate furious.

Webber Feels Betrayed and Leaves Red Bull

After the race, Webber confronted Vettel in the cooldown room, making it clear he felt betrayed. Vettel, unapologetic, justified his actions by stating he was “a racer first.” This incident widened the gap between the two drivers and ultimately played a role in Webber’s decision to leave Formula 1 at the end of the season, frustrated with Red Bull’s handling of the situation.

Nigel Mansell Wins the Title But Feels Betrayed by Williams (1992)

Nigel Mansell had a dominant season in 1992, securing his first and only world championship with Williams. However, despite his success, Williams secretly negotiated a deal with Alain Prost for the 1993 season. Mansell was furious when he found out, feeling the team had already decided to replace him before the season was even over.

Mansell Leaves F1 for IndyCar in Anger

Frustrated with Williams’ handling of the situation, Mansell chose to walk away from Formula 1 entirely. Instead of defending his title, he moved to IndyCar, where he won the championship in his debut season. His sudden departure highlighted how even a championship-winning driver was not immune to being pushed aside.

Rubens Barrichello Ordered to Give Up His Win for Schumacher (2002)

The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix featured one of the most controversial team orders in F1 history. Rubens Barrichello dominated the race and was set for victory, but Ferrari ordered him to let Michael Schumacher pass on the final lap. Barrichello slowed down just before the finish line, allowing Schumacher to take the win.

Ferrari Faces Backlash for Favoring Schumacher

The decision outraged fans and commentators, who saw it as an unfair manipulation of the race. Ferrari defended the move by saying they needed to maximize Schumacher’s championship chances, but the backlash led the FIA to introduce stricter regulations on team orders. Barrichello never forgot the incident, later admitting he was forced into making the humiliating decision.

Alain Prost Accuses McLaren of Favoring Ayrton Senna (1989)

The rivalry between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna reached its breaking point in 1989 when Prost believed McLaren was giving Senna preferential treatment. At the Japanese Grand Prix, Prost turned into Senna at the final chicane, causing a collision that ended his race. Senna rejoined the track and won, but was later disqualified, handing Prost the title.

Senna Takes Revenge and Crashes Into Prost (1990)

The following year, now driving for Ferrari, Prost was once again battling Senna for the title. At the Japanese Grand Prix, Senna deliberately crashed into Prost at Turn 1, ensuring his own championship victory. Senna later admitted he had planned the move, stating he felt wronged by the events of the previous year. This cemented one of the most bitter rivalries in F1 history.