Top 25 comebacks in F1 history
25. Ayrton Senna – 1991 Brazilian GP
Ayrton Senna found himself stuck in sixth gear at his home race. The F1 legend showcased his brilliance as he managed to fend off Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese to take a shocking victory.
24. Mark Webber – 2010 Spanish GP
Mark Webber was struggling in 2010 after internal troubles with new teammate Sebastian Vettel. The Spanish GP was a major race for the Australian as he dominated the weekend and proved that he was still worthy of fighting for the title.
23. Gerhard Berger – 1997 German GP
Gerhard Berger was in a devastating position in 1997. He missed three races after a sinus surgery and the death of his father. Berger returned in style to win at Hockenheim in a fairytale weekend.
22. Lewis Hamilton – 2007 Japanese GP
The Fuji Speedway is a challenging track for all drivers, let alone rookies. Lewis Hamilton proved that he was special when he managed to survive the 2007 race and take the win in treacherous conditions even after spinning out on one occasion.
21. Kimi Raikkonen – 2003 Malaysian GP
Kimi Raikkonen started the 2003 Malaysian GP on the backfoot in P7. The Finn pulled off a masterclass start to get the lead by the second lap. Raikkonen went on to take his maiden victory in F1.
20. Gilles Villeneuve – 1979 French GP
This is an odd entry. Gilles Villeneuve did not manage to defeat Rene Arnoux after losing the lead at the 1979 French GP. However, the Canadian went head to head in a stellar battle, swapping the lead multiple times. This battle is remembered as one of the best duels in F1 history.
19. Lewis Hamilton – 2008 German GP
A bad strategy call dropped Lewis Hamilton from the lead to P5 at the 2005 German GP. However, the Briton pulled off a stellar performance to regain the lead win the race.
18. Jacques Villeneuve – 1997 European GP
Michael Schumacher collided into Jacques Villeneuve at the 1997 title decider. The Canadian managed to continue and finished third in the race, enough to win the championship.
17. Nico Rosberg – 2016 Season
Nico Rosberg lost the championship to Lewis Hamilton in 2014 and 2015. The German was a man on a mission in 2016, winning back-to-back races at the start of the season. This allowed Rosberg to clinch the title in the season finale at Abu Dhabi.
16. Alan Jones – 1977 Austrian GP
No one expected Alan Jones to win a race for Shadow, let alone from P14 on the grid. But this is exactly what he did at the Austrian GP, surprising the entire paddock.
15. John Watson – 1983 Long Beach GP
John Watson holds the record for the lowest grid start for a win in F1. He won the 1983 race at Long Beach despite starting from P22 on the grid.
14. Lewis Hamilton - 2021 Brazilian GP
Lewis Hamilton was on the backfoot at the 2021 Brazilian GP, and was forced to start from P10. The Briton managed to put in one of the best drivers of his career to defeat Max Verstappen and win the race.
13. Michael Schumacher – 1998 Hungarian GP
Michael Schumacher and Ferrari took a risky three-stop strategy at the 1998 Hungarian GP. At first it seemed that the German would lose the race. However, Schumacher pulled off 20 qualifying-level laps to take the win.
12. Ayrton Senna – 1993 European GP
Ayrton Senna had a poor start at the 1993 European GP and fell to fifth place. The Brazilian then quickly made up places to lead the race by the end of the lap. He lapped every single car except Damon Hill by the end of the race.
11. Mika Häkkinen – 2000 Belgian GP
Mika Häkkinen lost the lead to Michael Schumacher at Spa-Francorchamps in 2000. The Flying Finn turned things around to defeat the German and sealing the win.
10. Lewis Hamilton – 2018 German GP
Lewis Hamilton started the 2018 German GP from P14 on the grid. After Sebastian Vettel's crash, and a stunning performance from the Briton, he won the race.
9. Sebastian Vettel – 2012 Brazilian GP
Sebastian Vettel was in last place by the end of the 2012 Brazilian GP. The German driver put in one of the best drivers of his career to finish in sixth place, enough to win the world title.
8. James Hunt – 1976 Season
James Hunt capitalized on Niki Lauda's life-threatening incident to reduce his points deficit in the standings. Hunt excelled at almost all races, and won the championship.
7. Jenson Button – 2011 Canadian GP
One of the most iconic races in F1 history, Jenson Button pitted six times alongwith a drive-through penalty in Montreal. Yet, the McLaren driver overtook Sebastian Vettel on the final corner to take the win.
6. Kimi Räikkönen – 2005 Japanese GP
Kimi Raikkonen's performance at Suzuka in 2005 remains iconic to this day. The Finnish driver started from P17 on the grid to take home an outstanding victory.
5. Fernando Alonso – 2012 Season
Fernando Alonso had arguably one of the most underwhelming cars of his career in 2012 at Ferrari. Yet, the Spanish driver managed to put forth a real challenge to Sebastian Vettel for the title. Though, Vettel emerged victorious at Interlagos.
4. Lewis Hamilton – 2008 British GP
Lewis Hamilton showcased his brilliance at his home race in 2008. The British driver went on to take the lead from P4 on the grid and win by over a minute.
3. Nigel Mansell – 1987 British GP
Nigel Mansell trailed Nelson Piquet by almost half a minute with just three laps to go at the 1987 British GP. Mansell managed to put in an incredible performance to clinch the lead and take the win.
2. Michael Schumacher – 1995 Spanish GP
Michael Schumacher's gearbox was stuck in fifth gear at the 1995 Spanish GP. However, the German driver pulled off a Senna and took the win, with a 20-second lead to second place.
1. Niki Lauda – 1976 Season
Niki Lauda made the biggest comeback in F1 history in 1976. After a life-threatening crash at Nürburgring, the Austrian missed two races and was still not fully fit. Yet, Lauda went on to race and battle against James Hunt for the title. While he lost the championship by one point, his determination remains an inspiration to many.
