11 F1 Feuds: Teammates Who Became Fierce Rivals
Formula 1 has long been a battleground of intense rivalries and epic clashes, both on and off the track. From fierce battles for supremacy to deep-seated personal vendettas, the sport has witnessed some of the most dramatic teammate showdowns in history. In this article, we delve into the top 11 intra-team rivalries that have defined eras, shaped careers, and even altered the course of Formula 1 itself.
11. Verstappen vs. Ricciardo: Red Bull’s New Generation Clash
Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo’s friendly rivalry at Red Bull turned sour in 2018. Their relationship deteriorated after a high-profile crash at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, leading to Ricciardo’s departure from the team. Despite the tension, they’ve since rekindled their friendship, with Verstappen praising Ricciardo as “a great guy” in 2024.
10. Schumacher vs. Barrichello: The Rubens Rebellion
Rubens Barrichello’s frustration with Ferrari’s favoritism towards Michael Schumacher culminated in the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix. Ordered to let Schumacher win, Barrichello reluctantly complied on the final corner, sparking outrage. This incident highlighted the tension between teammates and the controversial use of team orders in Formula 1.
9. Alesi vs. Berger: Ferrari’s French-Austrian Friction
Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari partnership began with tension in 1993. Alesi felt threatened by Berger’s arrival, viewing him as a “doctor” to fix the team. However, their relationship evolved into a fair competition, with both drivers receiving equal treatment. Their rivalry continued when they moved to Benetton in 1996, sharing 77 grands prix as teammates.
8. Hunt vs. Mass: McLaren’s Unexpected Fallout
James Hunt and Jochen Mass’s McLaren partnership imploded at the 1977 Canadian Grand Prix. Hunt, frustrated by Mass’s slower pace, collided with his teammate while attempting to lap him. The incident cost Hunt the race lead and sparked a heated confrontation. Hunt’s outburst, which included punching a marshal, highlighted the intense pressure within the team and marked a turning point in their relationship.
7. Jones vs. Reutemann: Williams’ Power Struggle
At the 1981 Brazilian Grand Prix, Carlos Reutemann defied team orders to let Alan Jones win, igniting a fierce rivalry. Reutemann’s refusal to yield cost him Jones’ support in the championship fight against Nelson Piquet. The incident led to both drivers retiring within months, ending Williams’ dominant pairing.
6. Villeneuve vs. Pironi: Tragedy at Ferrari
The 1982 San Marino Grand Prix saw Ferrari teammates Gilles Villeneuve and Didier Pironi turn from friends to bitter rivals. Pironi defied team orders to overtake Villeneuve on the final lap, shattering their trust. This betrayal led to a tragic sequence of events, with Villeneuve’s fatal crash two weeks later and Pironi’s career-ending accident that same year.
5. Mansell vs. Piquet: Williams’ War of Words
The 1986-87 Williams partnership between Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet devolved into one of F1’s most bitter rivalries. Piquet, expecting preferential treatment as a two-time champion, was incensed by Mansell’s success. The Brazilian resorted to personal attacks, famously insulting Mansell’s wife. Their feud cost Williams potential championships as they took points from each other.
4. Alonso vs. Hamilton: Rookie Rivalry at McLaren
The 2007 McLaren partnership between Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton quickly devolved into one of F1’s most intense rivalries. Tensions escalated as rookie Hamilton matched the reigning champion’s pace, leading to on-track battles and off-track disputes. The feud culminated in the infamous Hungarian GP qualifying incident, ultimately resulting in Alonso’s departure from the team after just one season.
3. Webber vs. Vettel: Multi-21 Meltdown
The 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix saw Red Bull teammates Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel clash in the infamous “Multi-21” incident. Vettel defied team orders to overtake Webber for the win, igniting a fierce rivalry. Webber’s angry “Multi-21, Seb” confrontation in the cool-down room became an iconic moment in F1 history.
2. Hamilton vs. Rosberg: From Friends to Foes
Childhood friends Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg became fierce rivals at Mercedes from 2013-2016. Their relationship deteriorated as they battled for championships, culminating in on-track clashes and off-track tensions. The rivalry ended with Rosberg’s shock retirement after winning the 2016 title. Recently, Rosberg revealed they’ve repaired their friendship, with Hamilton sending Christmas gifts to his daughters.
1. Prost vs. Senna: McLaren’s Civil War
The Prost-Senna rivalry at McLaren in 1988-1989 is legendary. Tensions escalated when Senna broke a pre-race agreement at Imola 1989, diving past Prost at Tosa corner. The feud culminated in two title-deciding collisions at Suzuka in 1989 and 1990, forever changing Formula 1 history.
Conclusion:
The history of Formula 1 is punctuated by these unforgettable rivalries that have not only entertained fans but also pushed the sport to new heights. Whether born out of ambition, betrayal, or sheer competitive spirit, these epic clashes between teammates have left lasting legacies. As new generations of drivers step onto the grid, they carry the torch of past rivalries, ensuring that the essence of competition and drama remains alive and well in Formula 1.
