10 Formula 1 Icons Who Took Over Other Racing Series

Saajan JogiaMay 10, 2025

6 minutes read

In the world of motorsport, many drivers seek to redefine their careers and explore new challenges after their time in Formula 1. This article delves into the fascinating journeys of ten F1 drivers who transitioned into other racing series, showcasing their adaptability and passion for racing beyond the pinnacle of motorsport.

Table of Contents

10. Fernando Alonso: From F1 to World Endurance Championship and Dakar Rally

During his F1 hiatus, Alonso competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Toyota Gazoo Racing, winning the title in the 2018-2019 season. He claimed victory at Le Mans 24 Hours twice in consecutive years (2018, 2019). The Spaniard also participated in the Dakar Rally with Toyota and has expressed his intention to return to this challenging event in the future.

9. Jenson Button: Success in Super GT, Le Mans, and NASCAR

After his 2009 F1 championship, Jenson Button thrived in Japan’s Super GT, clinching the 2018 title on his rookie attempt. He also contested the Le Mans 24 Hours, including a unique run in NASCAR’s Garage 56 entry in 2023, and continued racing in various endurance and touring car events.

8. Jacques Villeneuve: Competing in IndyCar, NASCAR, and Stock Car Racing

Before his illustrious F1 career where he won the 1997 World Championship with Williams, Villeneuve excelled in IndyCar, winning the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar championship in 1995. After retiring from F1 in 2006, the Canadian pursued various motorsport disciplines, including NASCAR, sports car racing (winning the 2008 1000 km of Spa with Peugeot), and stock car racing. Recently, Villeneuve returned to Williams as an ambassador for the 2025 season.

7. Juan Pablo Montoya: Achievements in IndyCar and IMSA Sports Cars

Juan Pablo Montoya is one of only three drivers to win races in Formula 1, NASCAR Cup Series, and IndyCar racing. The Colombian won the Indianapolis 500 twice (2000 and 2015), showcasing remarkable versatility across racing disciplines. After his F1 career, Montoya returned to IndyCar with Team Penske in 2014, securing a victory at Pocono and finishing strongly in the championship before continuing his success in sports car racing.

6. Sebastian Buemi: Dominance in Formula E and Endurance Racing

Sebastian Buemi transitioned from Formula 1 into a stellar career in both Formula E and endurance racing. He captured the 2015–16 Formula E championship and recently secured his 14th series win at the 2025 Monaco E-Prix, reclaiming the record for most victories. He’s also a four-time Le Mans winner with Toyota.

5. Brendon Hartley: World Endurance Champion After F1

Brendon Hartley: The Kiwi Who Found Success in Sportscars but Struggled in F1 — Oct 21, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Toro Rosso driver Brendon Hartley (39) of New Zealand is interviewed after qualifying for the United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Brendon Hartley actually made his mark in endurance racing before his brief F1 career with Toro Rosso in 2017-2018. The New Zealander won the FIA World Endurance Championship twice (2015 and 2017) and claimed victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2017 with Porsche. After his F1 exit, Hartley returned to his endurance racing roots where he continued to excel.

4. Robert Kubica: Rallying Comeback and WRC Champion

After his F1 career was disrupted by a severe rally crash in 2011, Robert Kubica returned to motorsport in the World Rally Championship, competing between 2013 and 2016. He clinched the WRC-2 title in 2013, showcasing resilience and adaptability by transitioning from single-seaters to rallying success.

3. Nigel Mansell: British Touring Cars and IndyCar Champion

Nigel Mansell, the 1992 Formula One World Champion, made history by winning the 1993 IndyCar World Series in his debut season, becoming the only driver to hold both the F1 and IndyCar titles simultaneously. Mansell also raced in touring cars and sports cars, further showcasing his versatility beyond Formula 1.

2. Felipe Massa: From F1 to Formula E and Brazilian Stock Cars

After his F1 retirement in 2017, Felipe Massa joined Formula E’s Venturi team, where he claimed a podium in Monaco before leaving the series in 2020. Returning to Brazil, Massa found new success in the Stock Car Pro Series, winning his first race in 15 years at Cascavel in 2023.

1. Marcus Ericsson: Winning the Indy 500 in IndyCar

After leaving Formula 1, Marcus Ericsson made a major mark in IndyCar, capturing victory at the prestigious 2022 Indianapolis 500. Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Ericsson’s achievement elevated his profile in American motorsports and proved his adaptability outside F1’s spotlight.

Conclusion:

SUZUKA, JAPAN – APRIL 06: George Russell of Great Britain driving the (63) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 leads Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy driving the (12) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W16 Isack Hadjar of France driving the (6) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari SF-25 and the remainder of the field at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on April 06, 2025 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202504060194 // Usage for editorial use only //

These remarkable drivers have proven that success in motorsport extends far beyond the Formula 1 track. From endurance racing to the fiercely competitive IndyCar series, each has embraced new challenges and achieved milestones that further cement their legacies in the racing world. Their stories inspire both current and aspiring drivers to pursue diverse opportunities and continue thriving in the ever-evolving landscape of motorsport.