The 15 Greatest Comebacks in Formula 1 History – Ranked

April 25, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Formula 1 has always been a sport defined by speed, strategy, and split-second drama—but some of its most powerful stories have come away from the podium.
Throughout the decades, a number of drivers and teams have staged remarkable comebacks—bouncing back from injury, retirement, failure, or long odds to reclaim their place on the grid or in the spotlight.
Here is our 15 greatest comebacks in F1 history—each one a story of resilience, grit, and pure determination.

15. Felipe Massa – Return from a Life-Threatening Injury

In 2009, Felipe Massa suffered a traumatic head injury when a spring struck his helmet during qualifying in Hungary. He was placed in a coma, and many feared the worst. Yet just a year later, he was back on the grid, defying the odds and proving his resilience.

14. Sebastian Vettel – Redemption at Aston Martin

Sebastian Vettel celebrating on the podium — PatrickLauzon photographe / Shutterstock.com

After a tough end to his Ferrari years, Vettel found new life at Aston Martin. Though he wasn’t fighting for wins, his personality, racecraft, and leadership won over fans and teammates alike.

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13. Robert Kubica – From Devastating Crash to F1 Return

A rally crash in 2011 left Kubica with severe arm injuries that seemed to end his F1 career. Yet in 2019, he made a miraculous comeback with Williams – a victory of determination over adversity.

12. McLaren – Climbing Back to the Front

Mclaren F1 — Photo: Jay Hirano / Shutterstock.com

Years of struggle and ridicule followed McLaren’s failed Honda partnership. But from 2021 onward, the team fought its way back to podiums and relevancy, becoming a contender once again.

11. Jenson Button – From Nearly Jobless to World Champion

In 2008, Button faced uncertainty after Honda’s exit. But in 2009, with the newly formed Brawn GP, he stunned the world by winning the title. A rags-to-riches tale for the ages.

10. Michael Schumacher – The Legend’s Return

After retiring in 2006, Schumacher came back in 2010 with Mercedes. Though he never reached the podium again, his experience laid the groundwork for the team’s future domination.

9. Alex Zanardi – Defying the Impossible

Though not a Formula 1 return, Zanardi’s story transcends the sport. After losing both legs in a CART crash, he became a Paralympic champion and even tested an adapted F1 car. Pure inspiration.

8. Fernando Alonso – The Fighter Returns Again and Again

Alonso left F1 twice but returned both times with fire in his eyes. His 2021 comeback with Alpine at age 39 showed that his skill, racecraft, and hunger remained intact.

7. Red Bull – From Struggles to Supremacy Again

F1 car, Redbull — Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com

The team struggled after F1’s hybrid era began in 2014. Yet with Max Verstappen and smart engineering, Red Bull roared back, becoming the sport’s dominant force in the 2020s.

6. Niki Lauda – Back Six Weeks After Near-Death Crash

In 1976, Lauda’s Ferrari caught fire at the Nürburgring, leaving him badly burned and hospitalized. Astonishingly, he returned to race just 42 days later – a moment of sheer bravery and legend.

5. Lewis Hamilton – Bouncing Back Stronger Every Time

Hamilton has built his career on mental toughness. Whether it was losing the 2007 title, bouncing back in 2008, or fighting down to the wire in 2021, his resilience defines him.

4. Esteban Ocon – From the Sidelines to Grand Prix Winner

Ocon lost his F1 seat in 2019 and faced an uncertain future. But he returned with Renault (later Alpine) and won the 2021 Hungarian GP – a fairytale result for a relentless competitor.

3. Kimi Räikkönen – From WRC to F1 Star Again

After leaving F1 in 2009, Räikkönen dabbled in rallying before making a triumphant return in 2012. His win in Abu Dhabi that year reminded everyone of the Iceman’s unique brilliance.

2. Mercedes – From Historical Name to Modern Superpower

Af Artes Max from Spain – Mercedes W11 / Lewis Hamilton / GBR / Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87400334

Mercedes hadn’t been a top F1 team since the 1950s. But after returning in 2010, they slowly built a dynasty that would dominate the sport with seven straight titles starting in 2014.

1. Ayrton Senna – Donington 1993: The Greatest Lap Ever

Senna started fifth in the rain at Donington Park in 1993. What followed was pure magic: he overtook four cars on the opening lap in treacherous conditions. It wasn’t a career comeback, but the most legendary in-race comeback ever witnessed.