5 bold F1 driver moves that paid off and 5 that didn’t as Hamilton makes his Ferrari call

Lewis Hamilton shocked the F1 world on Thursday when it was announced that the seven-time world champion will be joining Ferrari in 2025, marking another bold move after his eyebrow-raising switch to Mercedes more than a decade ago. Using this news as an excuse to go back in the F1 archives, what are some the best examples of daring driver moves that paid off, and those that backfired? We present five for each side

Bold moves from Formula 1 drivers, and throughout history, we have witnessed some breathtaking maneuvers that have either paid off or gone terribly wrong. In the case of Lewis Hamilton, his recent decision to consider a move to Ferrari will be a defining moment in his career. Here are five bold F1 driver moves that paid off, followed by five that didn't:

Bold moves that paid off:

1. Lewis Hamilton's switch to Mercedes in 2013: Leaving McLaren, a team with a storied history, in favor of Mercedes was met with skepticism. However, Hamilton's move paid off spectacularly as he went on to win six world championships with the German team.

2. Max Verstappen's overtake on Kimi Räikkönen at the 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix: Verstappen showcased his fearless approach by pulling off an incredible overtake on Räikkönen in treacherous conditions, securing third place and becoming the youngest driver to secure a podium finish.

3. Ayrton Senna's opening lap at the 1993 European Grand Prix: Starting fifth in the wet, Senna made a daring move to take the lead before the first corner, exemplifying his exceptional skills. He held onto his lead throughout the race, demonstrating his incredible talent and determination.

4. Fernando Alonso's return to Renault in 2008: Alonso moved back to Renault after a relatively disappointing stint at McLaren. This decision paid off as he clinched two world championships with the French team in 2005 and 2006.

5. Sebastian Vettel's switch to Red Bull Racing in 2009: Leaving Scuderia Toro Rosso for Red Bull Racing seemed like a risky move for Vettel. However, it worked wonders for his career as he secured four consecutive world championships from 2010 to 2013, firmly establishing himself as one of the sport's greats.

Bold moves that didn't pay off:

1. Michael Schumacher's move to Mercedes in 2010: Following a three-year retirement, Schumacher returned to Formula 1 with Mercedes. Unfortunately, the team struggled to provide a competitive car, and Schumacher's comeback failed to yield the expected success.

2. Jacques Villeneuve's transition to BAR in 1999: After becoming world champion with Williams, Villeneuve decided to join BAR. However, the team was not ready for success, and his move resulted in a decline in his career.

3. Kimi Räikkönen's move to Ferrari in 2014: Räikkönen made a high-profile switch from Lotus to Ferrari, rejoining as a former world champion. However, he struggled to match his teammate's performance, and his return to Ferrari was overshadowed by inconsistent results.

4. Juan Pablo Montoya's move to McLaren in 2005: Coming from a successful tenure at Williams, Montoya's move to McLaren was highly anticipated. Unfortunately, his time with the team was plagued by mechanical issues and clashes with management, hindering his chances of success.

5. Fernando Alonso's move to McLaren in 2007: Alonso's decision to leave Renault, where he won two championships, for McLaren turned out to be a turbulent period. Alonso faced internal conflicts within the team and experienced a strained relationship with his teammate, hampering his championship aspirations.

Regarding Lewis Hamilton's potential move to Ferrari, only time will tell if it becomes a bold move that pays off or falls into the category that doesn't. F1 history has shown us that the outcome of such decisions can be unpredictable, and it will be intriguing to witness the outcome of this significant career choice.

Bold moves that paid off:

6. Niki Lauda's return to racing after a near-fatal accident: Following a horrendous crash at the 1976 German Grand Prix that left him severely burned and on the brink of death, Lauda made an astonishing comeback just six weeks later. Despite enduring scars and psychological challenges, he displayed incredible resilience and went on to win two more championships in 1977 and 1984.

7. Sergio Perez's bold tire strategy at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix: Perez, starting from the back after a first-lap incident, opted for an unconventional one-stop strategy during the race. He managed to maintain consistent pace on worn tires and eventually claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory, showcasing his strategic brilliance.

8. Mika Hakkinen's overtake on Michael Schumacher at the 2000 Belgian Grand Prix: In a daring move at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Hakkinen executed a successful overtaking maneuver on Schumacher through the famous Eau Rouge corner. This pivotal move allowed him to secure victory and marked a significant moment in his championship-winning campaign.

9. Alain Prost's switch from Renault to McLaren in 1984: Prost's move to McLaren presented a fresh challenge, as he joined forces with Niki Lauda. This bold decision paid off as he won the championship the very next year and forged a successful partnership with the team, capturing three more titles in 1985, 1986, and 1989.

10. Juan Manuel Fangio's decision to switch teams mid-season in 1954: Fangio, competing for Maserati, switched to Mercedes in the middle of the season, which was a highly unusual move at the time. Despite the risk, Fangio's decision paid dividends as he clinched the championship that year, demonstrating his exceptional adaptability.

Bold moves that didn't pay off:

6. Jenson Button's transition to McLaren-Honda in 2015: Following a successful championship-winning season with Mercedes-powered Brawn GP in 2009, Button's move to McLaren-Honda proved ill-fated. The team's lack of competitiveness and reliability issues hindered his chances of securing consistent results.

7. Giancarlo Fisichella's move to Ferrari in 2009: Fisichella's switch from Force India to Ferrari, albeit as a substitute driver, didn't yield the desired results. Despite securing pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix, ongoing car troubles prevented him from achieving notable success during his short stint with the team.

8. Romain Grosjean's move to Haas in 2016: Grosjean's decision to leave Lotus and join the newly formed Haas F1 Team showcased promise initially, but the team's performance declined over the years. His move didn't provide the platform for consistent competitiveness that he had hoped for.

9. Heikki Kovalainen's move to McLaren in 2008: Kovalainen's transition from Renault to McLaren to replace Fernando Alonso seemed like a step up in his career. However, struggles with adapting to the team's setup and difficulties in matching his teammate's pace hindered his performance.

10. Esteban Ocon's move to Renault in 2020: After a year on the sidelines, Ocon returned to Formula 1 with Renault. However, the team's progress wasn't as anticipated, and Ocon struggled to showcase his true potential amidst ongoing challenges within the midfield battle.

Bold moves in Formula 1 can sometimes lead to great success, while others may result in disappointment. The sport is filled with instances where drivers' career choices defined their legacies, and the outcomes, whether positive or negative, contribute to the captivating nature of Formula 1.