Meanwhile, Leclerc had long been hailed as one of the most promising talents in the sport. His innate speed and seemingly effortless style seemed tailor-made for Ferrari’s illustrious legacy. The Scuderia may have been keen to pass the baton to Leclerc sooner than Vettel would have preferred, straining the German driver’s relationship with the team. However, it is worth noting that despite any team tensions, the mutual respect and admiration between Vettel and Leclerc never wavered.
There was no denying the immense skill possessed by both drivers. Each showcased their individual prowess on the track, leaving no room for doubt regarding their abilities. While their partnership may have endured its fair share of challenges, it served as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the captivating narratives that unfold within the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
Number 9. Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello (2006-2009)
Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello rightfully earn their place on this list for their remarkable composure and resilience in the face of one of the most extraordinary stories in Formula 1 history.
As the 2009 season dawned, both drivers found themselves not just outside the championship contention but also questioning the trajectory of their respective careers.
Button, at 29 years old, had only clinched a solitary victory and achieved a career-best of third place in the Drivers’ standings. Faced with the desperate need to stay in the sport, he willingly accepted a pay cut to remain with the newly rebranded Brawn GP team following Honda’s departure.
On the other hand, Barrichello, at the age of 36, was in the twilight of his illustrious career. Rumors swirled at the start of the season, suggesting that he might be replaced by the talented nephew of a former adversary, the legendary Ayrton Senna.
But then came the miraculous turn of events. The introduction of the double diffuser innovation propelled Brawn GP to an unprecedented advantage, setting them apart from the competition. Button, in particular, seized the opportunity with gusto, capitalizing on the team’s early dominance to establish a firm grip on the championship. While other teams gradually narrowed the gap, Button held his nerve, ultimately clinching the title. Barrichello played a crucial supporting role, securing a commendable third place in the championship, thus contributing to Brawn GP’s triumph in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships.
This fairytale season marked the pinnacle of Brawn GP’s brief foray in Formula 1, as they gracefully bowed out of competition after their solitary year of triumph. For Button and Barrichello, it was a testament to their perseverance, determination, and unwavering focus amidst uncertainty. Their remarkable accomplishments in 2009 will forever be etched in the annals of Formula 1 history as a testament to the enduring spirit of these two seasoned drivers.
Number 10. Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen (2015-2018)
Räikkönen and Vettel’s tenure as teammates could be summarized as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Both drivers made their move to Ferrari in 2014, with Räikkönen returning to the team for the first time since 2009. While their individual talents were undeniable, it was evident that Mercedes had firmly established their dominance during this period.
Mercedes kicked off their stranglehold on the championship with the introduction of the F1 W05, setting the stage for their continued success in the years to follow. However, it was Vettel and Räikkönen who provided the strongest challenge to Mercedes’ supremacy.
Throughout their time together, they consistently secured second place in the championship standings, falling just short of the ultimate prize. With a slightly more favorable twist of fate, perhaps they could have made that crucial step forward and challenged Mercedes for the championship crown. Despite the uphill battle, both drivers demonstrated their resilience and unwavering determination.
While their partnership at Ferrari didn’t yield the desired championship success, Räikkönen and Vettel’s contribution should not be overshadowed. They pushed themselves and the team to the limit, always striving for better results, and their battles on the track provided captivating moments for Formula 1 fans worldwide.
