Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton and more The biggest driver transfer shocks of the 21st

The 21st century has seen its fair share of shocking driver transfers in the world of Formula 1. From multiple world champions changing teams to unexpected switches, these moves have often left fans and experts alike amazed. Here are some of the biggest transfer shocks of the 21st century:

1. Fernando Alonso to McLaren (2007): After winning two consecutive World Championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, Alonso shocked the F1 world by transferring to McLaren for the 2007 season. Many believed he made the move in search of a more competitive car, but tensions quickly arose within the team, leading to a tumultuous relationship with rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton.

2. Sebastian Vettel to Ferrari (2015): After a dominant period with Red Bull Racing, where Vettel clinched four consecutive World Championships from 2010 to 2013, he surprised everyone by joining Ferrari in 2015. The move was seen as a challenge for Vettel to revive the iconic Italian team's success, but despite his efforts, a championship victory eluded him during his time with Ferrari.

3. Lewis Hamilton to Mercedes (2013): Hamilton's transfer from McLaren to Mercedes for the 2013 season raised eyebrows at the time. McLaren had been his home since his debut in 2007, but the appeal of the German manufacturer's long-term vision persuaded him to make the move. Since then, Hamilton has enjoyed unprecedented success, winning multiple World Championships with Mercedes.

4. Kimi Räikkönen to Ferrari (2014): After a few years away from Ferrari, Räikkönen created a significant shock in 2014 by returning to the team that he had won the World Championship with in 2007. His move from Lotus was unexpected, and fans eagerly anticipated his reunion with Fernando Alonso as teammates. However, the pairing didn't yield the desired results, and Räikkönen's second stint with Ferrari didn't bring him the same level of success.

5. Daniel Ricciardo to Renault (2019): Ricciardo's departure from Red Bull Racing, where he had established himself as one of the top drivers on the grid, surprised many. He made the move to Renault for the 2019 season in search of a fresh challenge, aiming to help elevate the French team to championship contention. Unfortunately, the move didn't pan out as expected, and Ricciardo has since moved on to McLaren.

While these transfers certainly shook the F1 community, they also showcased the ever-evolving nature of the sport. With each move, drivers hope to find the perfect balance of car performance, team dynamics, and personal aspirations, making for exciting moments and unexpected twists in the world of Formula 1.

6. Michael Schumacher's Return to Formula 1 (2010): After retiring from the sport in 2006, seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher made a shocking comeback with Mercedes in 2010. Fans and pundits were stunned by the news, as Schumacher had previously achieved legendary status with Ferrari. However, his return was met with mixed results, as he struggled to recapture his previous dominance and ended up retiring for good in 2012.

7. Max Verstappen's Promotion to Red Bull Racing (2016): The mid-season promotion of Max Verstappen to Red Bull Racing in 2016 caught everyone by surprise. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest driver in history to start a Grand Prix. The move showcased Red Bull's faith in Verstappen's talent and potential, and he quickly proved them right by winning his debut race in Spain.

8. Nico Rosberg's Retirement (2016): Following his closely contested battle with Lewis Hamilton for the 2016 World Championship, Nico Rosberg stunned the F1 world by announcing his retirement just days after clinching the title. His decision to walk away from the sport while at the pinnacle of his career shocked fans and left a vacant seat at Mercedes, leading to a sudden scramble for a replacement driver.

9. Sergio Perez to McLaren (2013): Sergio Perez's move from Sauber to McLaren for the 2013 season raised eyebrows. The Mexican driver was handpicked by McLaren as they sought a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who had left for Mercedes. While Perez's move to a top team appeared promising, the timing seemed unfortunate as McLaren struggled with an uncompetitive car that year. Perez's time with McLaren was short-lived, as he was ultimately let go after just one season.

10. Esteban Ocon's Arrival at Mercedes (2020): Esteban Ocon's signing as a Mercedes reserve driver in 2020 indicated a potential future with the dominant team. The Frenchman had shown promise with Force India/Racing Point, and his addition to the Mercedes driver development program created speculation about a potential seat alongside Lewis Hamilton. However, with Mercedes committed to Valtteri Bottas for the foreseeable future, Ocon secured a race seat with Renault (now Alpine) instead.

These driver transfer shocks have added drama, excitement, and intrigue to the world of Formula 1, reminding us that anything can happen in the highly competitive and ever-evolving sport.

Lewis Hamilton made all the headlines last week when it was announced that the seven-time world champion will make the switch from Mercedes to Ferrari for 2025, marking one of the biggest driver moves of all time.