10 F1 drivers who were allegedly sabotaged by their own team

10. A general culture of team-order enforced disadvantages

Multiple drivers across eras have believed their team was actively disadvantaging them (via strategy, car development, pit sequencing) to benefit someone else. While the specifics vary, they reflect recurring driver perception of sabotage even if unproven. Why it matters: Emphasises that sabotage can be perceived rather than proven—and perception can impact driver morale and performance.

9. Lando Norris vs Oscar Piastri – McLaren (2025)

The paddock has raised suspicions that McLaren may be favouring Norris over Piastri, especially after a late-race decision at the Italian GP. Why it matters: Current example where “sabotage” is less about outright malicious action and more about unequal support.

8. Esteban Ocon / internal team orders scenarios

Though not always direct sabotage, several instances exist where drivers suggest they were instructed to slow or give up position to favour teammates within their own team. These build the broader pattern of internal disadvantage. Why it matters: Blurs the line between sabotage and internal team strategy/ordering.

7. Felipe Nasr – Sauber F1 Team (2016)

According to forum posts and driver comments, Nasr alleged his team set up his car poorly, favouring teammate Marcus Ericsson. While unofficial, it remains a widely cited driver-vs-team complaint. Why it matters: Even smaller teams face sabotage-allegation culture, not just top-teams.

6. Pastor Maldonado – Williams Racing (2013)

Maldonado claimed someone in the team manipulated tyre pressures/temperatures in USA GP qualifying, undermining his performance. Why it matters: Underscores how mechanical/technical issues can be interpreted as sabotage.

5. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes AMG F1 (2024)

An anonymous email alleged that Mercedes was “systematically sabotaging” Hamilton’s car, strategy and mental state. Police later found no criminal offence. Why it matters: A modern example showing how extreme sabotage allegations can get—even prompting a police investigation.

4. Sergio Pérez – Red Bull Racing (2023)

Pérez dismissed claims that the team was sabotaging him in favour of teammate Max Verstappen—but the rumours circulated widely among fans and media. Why it matters: Shows how perception of team bias can lead to sabotage accusations—even when unproven.

3. Felipe Massa – Scuderia Ferrari (Various years)

Massa has implied that Ferrari sometimes prioritised his teammate over him in car upgrades or strategy, effectively disadvantaging him. (Less formally documented) Why it matters: Demonstrates how subtle favouritism can feel like sabotage from a driver’s viewpoint.

2. Fernando Alonso – McLaren (2007)

Alonso publicly claimed Renault was undermining his championship bid through strategy and parts allocation, by favoring Lewis Hamilton. It was one of the earliest high-profile driver accusations of team sabotage in the modern era.

1. Alain Prost – McLaren (1989)

Prost felt the team favoured his teammate Ayrton Senna and that his car/setup/strategy were second-class compared to Senna’s. Why it matters: Highlights how internal bias can be perceived as sabotage—even in top teams.