10 Memorable Moments of F1 Drivers Being....

10 Memorable Moments of F1 Drivers Being….read more

In the world of Formula 1, drivers are often seen as rivals, each gunning for the top spot in the championship standings. However, F1 has also seen instances where drivers have proven to be exceptional team players, helping their teammates either by sacrificing their own race or playing a key role in their success. From Michael Schumacher’s selflessness to Sergio Perez earning praise from Max Verstappen, here are 10 times F1 drivers showed what it truly means to be an amazing team mate.

Michael Schumacher Supporting Eddie Irvine in 1999
During the 1999 season, Michael Schumacher showed his team spirit by helping Eddie Irvine in his quest for the title. Schumacher, after a serious crash at Silverstone, was unable to compete in the latter half of the season, but his commitment to supporting Irvine was unwavering. Schumacher helped lead Ferrari to a constructor’s title while giving his teammate valuable support as Irvine fought for the driver’s championship. The teamwork was crucial, even though Irvine ultimately finished second.
Rubens Barrichello Assisting Schumacher in 2002
In one of the most infamous team orders situations, Rubens Barrichello was asked to let Michael Schumacher pass him in the final laps of the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix to help his teammate extend his lead in the championship. Barrichello, while displeased with the order, obeyed. This moment became a significant example of the selflessness and support F1 drivers sometimes offer to ensure the team’s success, even if it costs them personally.
Sergio Perez’s Heroic Defense in 2021 Abu Dhabi
At the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez showed incredible teamwork and bravery by defending against Lewis Hamilton for several laps. His efforts allowed teammate Max Verstappen to catch up and eventually overtake Hamilton for the race win and the championship. Verstappen praised Perez as a “legend” for his work on the track, highlighting the importance of teamwork in securing the title.
Felipe Massa Moving Over for Fernando Alonso in 2010
The 2010 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim was a tense moment in F1 history. Ferrari’s Felipe Massa was leading the race but was instructed by his team to let Fernando Alonso pass, as the team believed Alonso had a better chance at winning the race. Massa, though disappointed, moved over for Alonso, a moment that became infamous due to the radio message: “Fernando is faster than you.” It was a key moment in that season’s title fight and remains one of the most talked-about instances of team orders in F1.
Valtteri Bottas and the Mercedes Team Orders
In a display of quiet professionalism, Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has often been asked to support his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, in critical moments. One of the most notable examples came during the 2020 Russian Grand Prix when Bottas was asked to let Hamilton through to secure the win. Despite his personal desire to win, Bottas complied without hesitation, showcasing his role as a reliable team player. This moment, marked by the radio message “Valtteri, it’s James,” from Mercedes’ James Vowles, became iconic in the F1 community.
Nico Rosberg Letting Hamilton Pass in 2016 Monaco GP
In the 2016 Monaco Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg made a subtle but important gesture to allow his teammate Lewis Hamilton to pass him during a pit stop strategy battle. Although Rosberg was leading the race, he sacrificed his position to give Hamilton a strategic advantage, displaying a sense of teamwork that helped Hamilton finish the race ahead of him.
Kimi Raikkonen’s Selfless Support of Sebastian Vettel
Despite his famously independent and sometimes aloof persona, Kimi Raikkonen demonstrated immense teamwork during his time at Ferrari. At the 2018 Russian Grand Prix, Raikkonen allowed Sebastian Vettel to pass him so Vettel could close the points gap on the championship leader. Raikkonen’s decision was a quiet but powerful act of teamwork, reflecting the understanding that sometimes individual results must be sacrificed for the team’s benefit.
Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen’s Mutual Respect
While there were occasional tensions between Red Bull teammates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, their mutual respect for each other as team players was clear. At the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, after a dramatic collision between the two Red Bull cars, Ricciardo showed no animosity toward Verstappen when the young Dutch driver went on to claim his first F1 victory. Ricciardo’s sportsmanship in the aftermath was a testament to the importance of team spirit, even in difficult moments.
Fernando Alonso Helping Lewis Hamilton in 2007
While Fernando Alonso’s time at McLaren in 2007 was famously marked by internal conflict with teammate Lewis Hamilton, there were moments when Alonso did show support. At times, the rivalry between the two helped push both drivers to greater heights, though some moments of camaraderie did emerge, such as helping Hamilton during pit stop strategy decisions. Their partnership in that turbulent season laid the foundation for Hamilton’s eventual dominance in F1.
Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz’s Collaborative Spirit at McLaren
During their time together at McLaren, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz developed a strong partnership on and off the track. They showed consistent support for one another, working together to push McLaren forward in the constructor’s standings. Their mutual respect and collaboration helped McLaren make significant strides in performance, even if the two were often racing fiercely against each other.

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, teamwork is often just as important as individual performance. These moments show how collaboration, sacrifice, and mutual respect have played a crucial role in many of the sport’s greatest achievements. Whether it’s helping secure a title or playing a pivotal role in a teammate’s success, these F1 drivers have demonstrated that, at the end of the day, it’s the team that often makes the difference.