And according Niki Lauda's friends, Vettel was the first choice for the 2018 Mercedes next to Hamilton (during 2017 winter testing), but Vettel was convinced of Ferrari's pace that year and the continuation of their pace in 2018 as well! And Vettel wanted to win with Ferrari more than with Mercedes! SADLY! Edit: I am not exactly sure this is true, but I have read quite a few articles about this!
Gernot Stocker Was he? I don't recall him being brought up as a proper candidate at the time. It was (or at least appeared to be) between Pascal Wehrlein and Bottas.
@@TheJokerit19 There are some articles about it from 2016, but in german. One of the articles mentiones that Mercedes called Renault and asked for his release, but Renault declined. The article also mentiones that Lauda thinks that Wehrlein could be a good replacement.
@@nav7903 Vettel threw away 2017 and 2018 all on his own, Mercedes made a shit ton of mistakes both years but still easily won. Rosberg would've still won, albeit by a lesser margin than Hamilton.
The thing is, Schumi inputs made Merc what it is right now. As much as id love to see back then Heidfeld there it would certainly delay Merc rise to power.
I remember being dead excited for Perez and Mclaren in 2013 after they both had great 2012 seasons, but that was the year McLaren's drop in form started, similar to Ferrari this year.
fenhen Alonso was 3rd in the World Championship with McLaren in 2007, won two races with Renault and scored a pole in 2008 and 2009, he became 2nd in the World Championship with Ferrari in 2010 and 2012 and almost became World Champion twice there...
1) Ayrton Senna staying at McLaren for 1994. 2) Lewis Hamilton joining Red Bull for 2012. 3) Mark Webber joining Ferrari. 4) Paul Di Resta joining Mercedes. 5) Jenson Button leaving BAR for Williams
Martin Brundle revealed on Sky in the 'Secret Cinema' feature they've been doing with Hamilton that he was also involved in that 2005 contract issue between Hamilton and McLaren after Anthony Hamilton asked him for advice and still has all the contracts that Hamilton had faxed him.
That's not the case. The "one time" was Flávio's proposition to Senna but they may have really been working behind the scenes to get him to join (hence him telling him about his sponsorship)
According to John Barnard’s book, it was actually a possibility in as Senna talked to Barnard whilst the latter was at Benetton in 1990, and was interested in joining because Barnard was the most innovative technical director at the time. (He introduced the carbon fibre composite chassis and the semi-automatic gearbox) Barnard was honest though and told Senna that Benetton was going to take a few more years to be competitive and he was better off staying at McLaren; as it happens Barnard fell victim to Briatore’s politics and left midway through the ‘91 season.
@@GeriatricFan1963 it's amazing how Barnard basically always attracted himself to political situations, given his Benetton time being bookended with Ferrari
@@brenanconroy4052 I truly believe that had Enzo Ferrari not died in 1988 (only 2 years after signing Barnard) then the power struggle between FIAT and Piero Lardi Ferrari (Who clashed with Barnard) would not have happened; with Enzo still at the reigns, he'd have got the team to rally behind Barnard and they'd have fought Ferrari for titles way more consistently from '89 through to the early 90's. Such a shame that we never got to see Prost and Barnard at Ferrari; I think Senna and McLaren would have had an even tougher time in 1990. Instead, a rogue faction in Ferrari led by Piero Lardi hired Harvey Postlethwaite to build a secret car, which basically became the blueprint for the 1990 Tyrrell; an absolutely huge waste of resources which really shows just how much of a mess Ferrari became once Enzo passed away.
2002 - Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Toyota) (not so much a nearly signed, but more a 'nowhere else to go' situation at the time) 1978/9 - James Hunt (Ferrari) 1977 - Chris Amon (Wolf) 2014 - Rubens Barrichello (Caterham) 2014 - Nico Hulkenberg (Lotus) 1994 - Ayrton Senna (Ferrari) 1950 - Stirling Moss (Ferrari) (I don't think technically F1, but certainly could have led to something) 1962 - Stirling Moss (Ferrari) (this one was definitely for F1) 2000 - Mika Hakkinen (Ferrari) 1967 - Chris Amon (McLaren) 1997 - Damon Hill (Benetton/Ferrari/Stewart/McLaren) 2005 - Pastor Maldonado (Minardi) 1996 - Taki Inoue (Minardi) 2013 - Luiz Razia (Marussia) 2005 - Anthony Davidson (Williams) 2015 - Giedo van der Garde (Sauber) 2014 - Sergey Sirotkin (Sauber) 2008 - Ralf Schumacher (Force India/Toro Rosso/McLaren) 2009 - Bruno Senna (Brawn GP) 2010 - Anthony Davidson (Virgin/Lotus) 2012 - Kimi Raikkonen (Williams) 2014 - Pastor Maldonado (Ferrari) 1987 - Didier Pironi (AGS) 1998 - Jos Verstappen (Tyrrell) 1962/3 - Ricardo Rodriguez (Lotus) 1960 - Jim Clark (Aston Martin)
Button to Williams (2005 and 2006) Villeneuve to Benetton (2001) Sutil to McLaren (2008) Ralf Schumacher to Force India (2008) Maldonado to Renault (2016)
we all know Mercedes without Lewis would be nowhere. Its only hamiltons and bottas' driving genius that keep merc halfway competitive. Bottas and ham are the best of this Generation
@@heliumtrophy Yes, I read it in Sir Jackie's autobiography about the almost signed moment... Il Commandatore was so furious, it plays some twists years later.
@@HaraiGoshi345 Actually, he already went to Maranello and discuss terms with Enzo. So take what you may; going as far as that is not exactly "never interested."
I remember reading an article in 2008 where Ross Brawn was trying to coax Alonso to Honda for the next season. I was laughing at how absurd it sounded. Funny how things could have turned out.
Maldonardo to Ferrari could be a good one for a part 2. Schumacher to Williams for 1996 also deserves a look. I once saw an interview wit Jochen Mass where he said Schumacher had asked him wether to go to Williams or Ferrari, with Mass saying he himself would try to become a hero at Ferrari. What a prediction.
That would be my list of proposals for part 2 1) Raikkonen to Red Bull for 2014 2) Alonso to Red Bull for 2008 3) Sirotkin to Sauber for 2014 4) Wurz to Ferrari for 1999/2000 5) Hill to Prost-Peugeot for 2000 6) Sato to Toro Rosso for 2009 7) Fisichella and Heidfeld to Qadback Sauber for 2010 8) Bruno Senna to Honda for 2009 9) Pedro de la Rosa staying at McLaren for 2007 10) Villeneuve return saga of 2009-2011 (firstly with the stillborn StefanGP, then with his own Villeneuve-Durango team)
@@MrSniperfox29 late reply I know but. Raikkonen was considered by Red Bull for 2014. Alonso DID speak to Red Bull about 2008. Sato did test for Toro Rosso for a drive in 2009. Fisichella was definitely approached by Sauber for 2010. Senna was going to replace Barrichello at Honda in 2009 if they didn’t leave. They’re all very true. The others I’m not sure about
Not a chance, with McLaren and Williams dommination in the late 80s. I mean there's a reason why Schumi took most of his Benetton staff with him to Ferrari, instead of just going alone..
Orcawhale & margus I agree with both of u guys, he would have suffered the same fate as all the other top Ferrari drivers It's easier to name who did win a title with Ferrari rather than who didn't (some serious name in the long list)
Nigel Mansell mentioned Arrows approached him twice during his career. In 1984 and 1990. Other near misses you could mention are Innes Ireland for BRM 1962; Jochen Rindt for Brabham in 1970; Mario Andretti or Alan Jones to Ferrari in 1978; Gilles Villeneuve for McLaren in 1982; Mika Hakkinen to Williams for 1993 and for 2005; Heidfeld missing out on McLaren seat etc; Chris Amon turning down several offers etc. Alonso and Red Bull talks.
Thackwell (ignoring 3 ftps in '80, 83 and '84!) Greg Moore Gonzalo Rodriguez Bert Fabi Morris Sala Andy Wallace Benoit Treluyer Tom Kristensen Marco Apicella (ignore Monza '93) Paul Tracy Sam Hornish Helio Castroneves Scott Dixon Gil de Ferran Esteban Guerrieri Enrique Mansilla
Ronnie Peterson had already made contract to drive McLaren for the 1979 season, but that was never to happen. Also, Williams nearly got Mika Häkkinen driving them for 1993 season but there was some contract dispute with Lotus.
Yep people forget that Hill was in the right place at the right time for 1993. If it had been a year earlier Blundell would have got it. If i recall it was a straight choice between Damon and Brundle for the '93 drive. McLaren tried to sign Herbert for '94 as he worked well with Mika in '92 but Lotus wouldn't release him then Prost refused to come back and Brundle got the drive.
I love these types of videos. Amazing to think Porsche and Footwork/Arrows could have become a powerhouse if they had Mansell and Newey paired with a Porsche engine that actually worked. Success often breeds success.
In 1992 i was offered a drive for Williams. I chose to play my cards aggressively and told them i wouldn't do it for anything less then 1.2 million a race... I really thought i had them in a position where they couldn't say no. Turns out they just laughed at me and said that driving the food catering company truck wasn't even a salary position and that it started at $12 an hour with free lunch on race day after a 90 day probationary period from time of hire.
Lord Mahaveer Maldonado I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have been. The whole point of them shying away from Vettel now is they wanted a Barichello/Bottas type and not a top driver
Mika Häkkinen to WIlliams for 1993 season. Apparently that contract was almost signed but Williams had missed out on officially announcing their drivers for that season and thus Lotus team boss at that time managed to blocked Häkkinen from moving to Williams cause they really wanted to keep him after his great performances in 1992 season with the team. Ofc that then resulted Mika leaving the team anyway to become Mclaren test driver for 1993 season. In my understanding Häkkinen really was Williams number 1 choice to partner with Prost for 1993, not Brundle, nor Damon Hill. Also several ways Kimi's career could have went after 2009 season: -Kimi to Mclaren in 2010 -Kimi to Williams in 2012 -Kimi to Red Bull in 2014
Jean Alesi nearly joined Williams for 1991 Alonso and Montoya were on Red Bull's shortlist for their 2007 lineup Michele Alboreto, Luca Badoer and Andrea Montermini were all participated in a shootout for the 2nd Benetton seat in 1994 The most bonkers one is this, Giancarlo Minardi once said that he did some serious talks with Ayrton Senna for a seat in Minardi and a role as a part-owner of the team during the 1993 season
But Lehto outpaced all of those 3 in testing. If JJ had not broken his neck early in'94 I think he would havee become the best no.2 for Schumacher Benetton ever had, and would have been in prime position to lead the team in '95 onwards when Schu left for Ferrari.
Jenson Button to Williams (twice in 2 years) After the summer break of 2004, news broke that Jenson Button was going to return to the team that gave him his F1 debut in 2000, Williams. Not only was the sport stunned and slightly bemused by this news, as he was having the season of his life up to then, but the team he was with at the time, BAR, disputed the contract he'd signed with Williams. It went to the Contract Recognition Board, which ruled in BAR's favour, though Button and Williams said that he would be with the team in 2006. However, 12 months on, Button changed his mind about who he wanted to drive for. Williams were losing their supply of BMW engines from 2006 and he felt it was better to stick with BAR that would be rebranded as Honda in 2006. He paid Williams millions in compensation out of his own pocket and remained with the team until the end of his championship winning season in 2009
@@chamindujanith6337 Yes. How he got the drive at Brabham is a story in itself. Bernie Ecclestone was pleased Warwick didn't call the team after de Angelis died as others had done wanting the drive. So Ecclestone chose Warwick.
Senna's attempted move to Ferrari for 1995 season (as described by Luca di Montezomolo in recent podcast) should be on the list, if not top of the list
Takuma Sato to Toro Rosso in 200...9(?) that went as far as him testing the car was a weird one. There were also rumours of Olivier Panis moving to Ferrari to replace Irvine for 1998 after his superb start to 1997, with them deciding on Barrichello after Panis couldn't replicate that form post leg break.
I think the 2005 button move to Williams should be added in the next video. Yes I know button raced for Williams in his first F1 season in 2000, but the big contract controversy put pay to him returning there in 2005
I remember Dutchman Jan Lammers being on a short list at Scuderia Ferrari, late 1982. Just before he would go on audience with Il Commendatore in Maranello, Lammers broke his thumb. Mario Andretti filled the gap and took pole at Monza.
Senna move to Bennetton is well known in Brazil, Briatore called lot of sponsorship from Brazilian industries/business to help him, but most of the Brazilian money makers wanted to see him on Williams, and maybe Ferrari. We know what happened
Another suggestion I have, Derek Warwick to Lotus (what would have been the first time). After the Works Renault team pulled out at the end of 1985, Derek Warwick signed a contract to join Lotus as team mate to Ayrton Senna. There was just one problem, Senna blocked the move. Supposedly it was because he felt that Lotus was no good at running two competitive cars, but in actuality, it was because he felt that because Derek was on the rise at the same time as Senna, Senna felt that Warwick was too close in terms of competitiveness compared to him. Given how Derek was subsequently lumbered with often hopelessly uncompetitive machinery in his time in F1, it would have been interesting to see how Derek Warwick would have fared against Senna
When the 2006 season began, Alonso had already signed the deal with McLaren for 2007. For a while, it was rumoured that Kimi Raikkonen could have been his replacement. Again, when Kimi Raikkonen was considering his return to F1 for 2012, he negotiated with Lotus, but also with Williams. I also remember at the end of 2013, when Raikkonen announced his departure from Lotus to Ferrari, Eric Boullier suggested the Genii Capital Board to hire Nico Hulkenberg for 2014. They went with Pastor Maldonado, because they needed his money.
Marko tried to lure Montoya to RB for 2007 but JPM had already made his mind up to leave F1. It would have been Juan Pablo who got the top cars likely alongside Vettel. That would have been very interesting, as I think we would all agree Monster was a level above Webber.
I watched the '97 race at Monaco yesterday. And the commentator said it was almost sure that Hill would've drove for Stewart in '97 instead of Arrows, but the payment he wished for was too high for Stewart... So they went for Barrichello and Magnussen.
Verstappen to Jordan could have appeared 3 times! Jordan was interested in signing in 2004 alongside Heidfeld, I think he even did the shakedown at Silverstone.
Ronnie Pererson was going to McLaren in 1979, and the announcement was made in Monza, two days before his fatal crash. Gunnar Nilsson was hired by Arrows in 1978 before he was ill with testicular cancer and eventuallly died of the disease, in october 1978.
Some extra "almost" cases: 1. Jan Lammers to Ferrari. Jan Lammers almost was signed by Ferrari in 1982, as Ferrari was looking for a driver to fill the seat of Gilles Villeneuve after his fatal crash in Zolder. Lammers would test the Ferrari before signing, but broke his thumb in a crash just before the test would be done. Injured and unable to test, Ferrari had no other option than to look further. 2. Verstappen to Mclaren. In 1993, Jos Verstappen was as big as a hype as Max was when he joined F1. Verstappen had a test in Estoril with Footwork, where he was quicker then the regular racedrivers of the team and drove a laptime that would have given him an exeptionally good grid position in the race, that wad held just that weekend before. Many F1 teams were interested in signing Verstappen, and Mclaren offered Jos a test. Dennis wanted to sign Jos a a testdriver for 1994, but Flavio Briatore was the one who knicked Jos from Mclaren just in time. Benneton offered Jos a testcontract for 1994, to prepare him for a garantied Benneton race seat in 1995. After Benneton J.J. Letho broke his neck in a crash, Jos was catapulted in F1 as the replacement. A unique chance, but also a move that eventually broke his career. The wild and unexperienced Verstappen could not keep up with Schumacher due beginner mistakes and a car that was designef for Schumacher, and lacked a lot of updates compared to the German. Verstappen managed to get better during the season, with 2 podiums. Verstappen expected to keep his Benneton seat for 1995, as was promised in his contract. But the team chose the more ecperienced Herbert, and Briatore put Verstappen in a Simtek. From that moment on, Verstappen never got another chance in a top team car. Although he was close to sign with Mclaren, Sauber or Jordan for 1997, he choose to sign with Tyrrell, which turned out to be a mistake since that team would loose the Yamaha engine. 3. Senna to Ferrari. It is by now a pretty well known story, but Senna planned to join Ferrari for 1996 to end his career with. Williams proved to be the dominant team and Senna expected to win 1994 and 1995 title. After 1995, Senna would have wanted to move to Ferrari to drive his last years in F1 with. Unfortunally, faith decided otherwise. 4. Mansell to Jordan. After Mansell left Mclaren after a couple of races in 1995 in the failed concept of the '95 car, Mansell tried one last time. In 1996 he tested a Jordan. Benson & Hedges wanted him in the car in 1997 as replacement for Brundle or Barrichello. Mansell decided not to sign and never intended another try to make an F1 comeback.
Also if rumours were true, Johnny Herbert to Williams for 1989 (allegedly, Frank Williams was at Brands Hatch on the day of Herbert's F3000 crash, contract in hand).
Senna to Benetton? Or to Penske in the Indycar-series? Its tragic that every of these alternatives would have saved his life and would gave him a winning-package. He picked death instead.
You should include the Hill to Mclaren move that nearly happened for 1998. Another good one would be Hill to Stewart for 1997 but I'm not sure if that one was true or not.
@@jamesdyer7960 A pity we never found out. Villeneuve in a Tag-Porsche McLaren could have been epic, although fuel economy driving in the mid 80s might not have been to his liking.
@@gorkab8461 He would have detested the fuel saving garbage but loved full boost balls out qualifying!!! Interestingly Prost may never have got a drive in '84, as if Gilles had signed it would likely have been as Lauda's teammate in '82. Maybe the TAG engine would have come on stream earlier with a real ace like GV in the team.
Mika Häkkinen was on his way to Williams twice, but the deal fell through both times. He had already signed with Williams for 1993, but because Williams screwed up their entry, Lotus managed to block the move, Williams went with Damon Hill instead and Mika ended up as McLaren’s test driver before replacing Michael Andretti near the end of the season. He was in talks with Williams again for 2005, but I believe he felt he was too out of shape for F1 and went to DTM instead.
Apparently there was a plan to move Jeff Gordon from NASCAR to BAR-Honda with a year or 2 in CART/Indy Car in between as his training platform into open wheel formula cars. Gordon backed out for a few reasons including Hendrick, his NASCAR team, offering him a fat new contract to keep him there.
@@doublecub In my undersanding Red Bull considered Kimi for 2014 season, NOT for 2012. 2013 was the year Webber was gonna walk out after what happened in Malaysia (mutli 21) but instead of going for Kimi, Red Bull offered the seat to Ricciardo who was ofc part of their young driver program and they have stuck to their young driver program ever since. I remember this clearly because there was heck of speculation going on whether Kimi would go to Red Bull or Ferrari. For 2012 the only 2 teams that were speculated were Williams and Lotus.
Hülkenberg was Mercedes' first choice for 2017, but they couldn't get him out of his renault contract.
And according Niki Lauda's friends, Vettel was the first choice for the 2018 Mercedes next to Hamilton (during 2017 winter testing), but Vettel was convinced of Ferrari's pace that year and the continuation of their pace in 2018 as well! And Vettel wanted to win with Ferrari more than with Mercedes! SADLY!
Edit: I am not exactly sure this is true, but I have read quite a few articles about this!
Link to the articles please
@@swapnilnayak2449 Just like Jean Alesi. Choosing his heart to go to Ferrari, than signing with Williams.
Gernot Stocker Was he? I don't recall him being brought up as a proper candidate at the time. It was (or at least appeared to be) between Pascal Wehrlein and Bottas.
@@TheJokerit19 There are some articles about it from 2016, but in german. One of the articles mentiones that Mercedes called Renault and asked for his release, but Renault declined.
The article also mentiones that Lauda thinks that Wehrlein could be a good replacement.
" Top 10 moments Hulkenberg missed out on the podium "
#1 Germany 2019
Fucking savage
@@pablojimenez2035 You are new to F1, aren't you?
*_Top 10 moments Hulkenberg missed out on the podium_*
...except that you could only count 5 or 6 at the most...
In his whole F1 career...
*”Top 10 times Hulkenberg bottled a podium”
Imagine the alternate universes from all of these. Hulkenberg World Champion with Mercedes. Kubica and Alonso in Ferrari together.
what about senna still being alive in the san marino gp during the 1994 season if he signed for benetton
Rosberg would cruise to 6 WDCs if Hulkenberg was his team-mate.
@@vivvysaur21 Rosberg wouldn't have won 6 Vettel would've won 2017 and 2018, yes Rosberg would've won 2014 and 2015
@@vivvysaur21 Not necessarily!
@@nav7903 Vettel threw away 2017 and 2018 all on his own, Mercedes made a shit ton of mistakes both years but still easily won. Rosberg would've still won, albeit by a lesser margin than Hamilton.
Nick Heidfeld to Mercedes in 2010 if Schumi didn't come back.
That's a story that should have been mentioned.
@@ChampCarforlife yeah imagine Heidfeld in the hybrid era in a Mercedes
Also Heidfeld to Mclaren 2002 ;)
Also heard about in 2009 jenson button nearly went to Mercedes over rosberg before going to McLaren
The thing is, Schumi inputs made Merc what it is right now. As much as id love to see back then Heidfeld there it would certainly delay Merc rise to power.
11. Kimi Raikkonen nearly got his drink, gloves, and steering wheel
Ice cream is also important.
And his sunglasses
and a normal wheel
Juan Pablo Montoyota.
@Lord Mahaveer Maldonado if Juan was to get Juan point from Round Juan, would the Juan point be from judge Juan, Juan?
I hate you.
Sennatton
I loved that:
"Mansell and Newey to Arrows"
"WOOT?"
Here’s a video idea - F1 driver moves that showed promise but failed spectacularly
#1 Alonso to McLaren
#2 Alonso to McLaren (again)
#3 Alonso to Ferrari
#4 Alonso to Renault
#5 Alonso to Renault (again!)
I remember being dead excited for Perez and Mclaren in 2013 after they both had great 2012 seasons, but that was the year McLaren's drop in form started, similar to Ferrari this year.
fenhen Alonso was 3rd in the World Championship with McLaren in 2007, won two races with Renault and scored a pole in 2008 and 2009, he became 2nd in the World Championship with Ferrari in 2010 and 2012 and almost became World Champion twice there...
I feel we are talking about Vettel here....
Adrián García vettel to ferrari is definitely one of them, imo
1) Ayrton Senna staying at McLaren for 1994.
2) Lewis Hamilton joining Red Bull for 2012.
3) Mark Webber joining Ferrari.
4) Paul Di Resta joining Mercedes.
5) Jenson Button leaving BAR for Williams
pual beats nico rosberg in equal machinery?????????
@@iamlato Or probably Nico beat Paul, I think.
"Top ten times Nigel Mansell announces he is retiring from F1"
Martin Brundle revealed on Sky in the 'Secret Cinema' feature they've been doing with Hamilton that he was also involved in that 2005 contract issue between Hamilton and McLaren after Anthony Hamilton asked him for advice and still has all the contracts that Hamilton had faxed him.
I feel like Flávio Briatore talking to Senna one time doesn’t really count as ‘Senna nearly signing for Benetton’.
That's not the case. The "one time" was Flávio's proposition to Senna but they may have really been working behind the scenes to get him to join (hence him telling him about his sponsorship)
According to John Barnard’s book, it was actually a possibility in as Senna talked to Barnard whilst the latter was at Benetton in 1990, and was interested in joining because Barnard was the most innovative technical director at the time. (He introduced the carbon fibre composite chassis and the semi-automatic gearbox) Barnard was honest though and told Senna that Benetton was going to take a few more years to be competitive and he was better off staying at McLaren; as it happens Barnard fell victim to Briatore’s politics and left midway through the ‘91 season.
@LCP excuse me?
@@GeriatricFan1963 it's amazing how Barnard basically always attracted himself to political situations, given his Benetton time being bookended with Ferrari
@@brenanconroy4052 I truly believe that had Enzo Ferrari not died in 1988 (only 2 years after signing Barnard) then the power struggle between FIAT and Piero Lardi Ferrari (Who clashed with Barnard) would not have happened; with Enzo still at the reigns, he'd have got the team to rally behind Barnard and they'd have fought Ferrari for titles way more consistently from '89 through to the early 90's. Such a shame that we never got to see Prost and Barnard at Ferrari; I think Senna and McLaren would have had an even tougher time in 1990. Instead, a rogue faction in Ferrari led by Piero Lardi hired Harvey Postlethwaite to build a secret car, which basically became the blueprint for the 1990 Tyrrell; an absolutely huge waste of resources which really shows just how much of a mess Ferrari became once Enzo passed away.
2002 - Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Toyota) (not so much a nearly signed, but more a 'nowhere else to go' situation at the time)
1978/9 - James Hunt (Ferrari)
1977 - Chris Amon (Wolf)
2014 - Rubens Barrichello (Caterham)
2014 - Nico Hulkenberg (Lotus)
1994 - Ayrton Senna (Ferrari)
1950 - Stirling Moss (Ferrari) (I don't think technically F1, but certainly could have led to something)
1962 - Stirling Moss (Ferrari) (this one was definitely for F1)
2000 - Mika Hakkinen (Ferrari)
1967 - Chris Amon (McLaren)
1997 - Damon Hill (Benetton/Ferrari/Stewart/McLaren)
2005 - Pastor Maldonado (Minardi)
1996 - Taki Inoue (Minardi)
2013 - Luiz Razia (Marussia)
2005 - Anthony Davidson (Williams)
2015 - Giedo van der Garde (Sauber)
2014 - Sergey Sirotkin (Sauber)
2008 - Ralf Schumacher (Force India/Toro Rosso/McLaren)
2009 - Bruno Senna (Brawn GP)
2010 - Anthony Davidson (Virgin/Lotus)
2012 - Kimi Raikkonen (Williams)
2014 - Pastor Maldonado (Ferrari)
1987 - Didier Pironi (AGS)
1998 - Jos Verstappen (Tyrrell)
1962/3 - Ricardo Rodriguez (Lotus)
1960 - Jim Clark (Aston Martin)
Those Maldonaldo ones have to be cap right
2009 - Takuma Sato (Toro Rosso)
2001 J. villeneuve McLaren
1997 Verstappen Sauber
Ideas for next time:
Webber to Renault
Herbert to Ferrari/Williams/McLaren
Karthikeyan to Spyker
Perez to Ferrari
Hamilton to BMW
Kobayashi to Ferrari
Button to Williams (2005 and 2006)
Villeneuve to Benetton (2001)
Sutil to McLaren (2008)
Ralf Schumacher to Force India (2008)
Maldonado to Renault (2016)
Taki Inoue to Minardi (1996)
Heidfeld to McLaren (2002)
Timo Glock to Jordan (2005)
Don't forget Jackie Stewart to Ferrari just before he signed for Tyrell
Also:
Patrese to Williams (1995)
Brundle to Ligier (1997)
Perez to Ferrari? I didn't know that.
Hulk to Mercedes for 2017 to replace Rosberg, but Renault didn't let him get out of the freshly signed contract.
This made them dumping him in 2019 even more painful
@@anttihelin6820 yeah thanks to REnaULt
Starting to dislike Cyril & Renault 🤦♂️.
@@gunnergavOnly now?
@@kaysas9686 You're right, they gave us Grojean too 🤦♂️.
Part 2 should include Sebastien Loeb almost swapping from WRC to Toro Rosso.
Don't forget Valentino Rossi from MotoGP to Ferrari.
Honestly I wonder how successful Hulkenberg would’ve been at Mercedes cause he’s a good driver but I wonder if they would be as dominant
I'm pretty sure he would have beaten Rosberg
@@zurafar6954 eh Rosberg would probably have beaten him most of the years and Vettel would've probably won 2018
@@redbullsauberpetronas unfortunately we will never know
@@zurafar6954 Fortunately more like.
we all know Mercedes without Lewis would be nowhere. Its only hamiltons and bottas' driving genius that keep merc halfway competitive. Bottas and ham are the best of this Generation
Senna to Ferrari for 95 and 96 97 imagine Ferrari getting both Senna and Schumacher Ferrari only can dream.
they would have managed it horribly though
A few more interesting ones that almost happeened: Jean Alesi to Williams in 1991, Michael Andretti to Ferrari in 1992, Rick Mears to Brabham in 1982
Mears would have been a great signing but Brabham only wanted a no.2 to Piquet.
Al unser jr williams..M.Schumacher mclaren, paul tracy benetton..Helio Castroneves toyota..jose maria lopez renault(it counts!)
Kimi Räikkönen to Williams in 2012. He could have done good things with that car.
Or to Red Bull for 2014.....wonder how that would have went for him.
Jackie Stewart to Ferrari, just before he signed with Tyrell.
Il Commendatore never forgave that move.
@@heliumtrophy Yes, I read it in Sir Jackie's autobiography about the almost signed moment... Il Commandatore was so furious, it plays some twists years later.
Wan R He was never interested
@@HaraiGoshi345 Actually, he already went to Maranello and discuss terms with Enzo. So take what you may; going as far as that is not exactly "never interested."
Nick Heidfeld would have raced for McLaren-Merc in 2002 or 03, but Kimi got the drive, and the rest was history.
I stil have a model McLaren car with him in it. Quik Nick.
Alonso to Brawn GP for 2009.
Also to Red Bull for 2009
I remember reading an article in 2008 where Ross Brawn was trying to coax Alonso to Honda for the next season. I was laughing at how absurd it sounded. Funny how things could have turned out.
How about a raikkonen return to McLaren in 2010 before Jenson was confirmed
1. Hulk to Merc
2. Hulk to Ferrari
3. Hulk to Haas
4. Hulk to Williams
5. Hulk to *insert team here*
well, technically, he was in Williams before. And he said he was too ambitious to drive for Haas, so he prefered to not be on F1 grid, lol
Hulk to Andrea Moda
Maldonardo to Ferrari could be a good one for a part 2. Schumacher to Williams for 1996 also deserves a look. I once saw an interview wit Jochen Mass where he said Schumacher had asked him wether to go to Williams or Ferrari, with Mass saying he himself would try to become a hero at Ferrari. What a prediction.
That would be my list of proposals for part 2
1) Raikkonen to Red Bull for 2014
2) Alonso to Red Bull for 2008
3) Sirotkin to Sauber for 2014
4) Wurz to Ferrari for 1999/2000
5) Hill to Prost-Peugeot for 2000
6) Sato to Toro Rosso for 2009
7) Fisichella and Heidfeld to Qadback Sauber for 2010
8) Bruno Senna to Honda for 2009
9) Pedro de la Rosa staying at McLaren for 2007
10) Villeneuve return saga of 2009-2011 (firstly with the stillborn StefanGP, then with his own Villeneuve-Durango team)
None of those things are remotely true
@@MrSniperfox29 late reply I know but. Raikkonen was considered by Red Bull for 2014. Alonso DID speak to Red Bull about 2008. Sato did test for Toro Rosso for a drive in 2009. Fisichella was definitely approached by Sauber for 2010. Senna was going to replace Barrichello at Honda in 2009 if they didn’t leave. They’re all very true. The others I’m not sure about
Kimi to McLaren 2010
- Button back to Williams (was it 2004?)
- Schumi to partner Mika at McLaren in '98
- Kimi back to McLaren in 2010
You missed Ayrton Senna to Ferrari
yes it was very close
Barrichello to Caterham in 2014 was funny one. The deal was done and evertything, but then the team got bankrupt.
Who was he gonna replace?
Not sure, I think it was for one race only tho as he just wanted to say goodbye to his fans at Interlagos.
He could’ve raced for mclaren In 2010 but had signed for Williams already
Damn I wish Bellof hadn’t had raced at Spa he would’ve been world champion
Haha he wouldn’t. He wouldn’t have been able to stop Ayrton
More like another Ferrari casualty.
Not a chance, with McLaren and Williams dommination in the late 80s.
I mean there's a reason why Schumi took most of his Benetton staff with him to Ferrari, instead of just going alone..
Orcawhale & margus
I agree with both of u guys, he would have suffered the same fate as all the other top Ferrari drivers
It's easier to name who did win a title with Ferrari rather than who didn't (some serious name in the long list)
Nigel Mansell mentioned Arrows approached him twice during his career. In 1984 and 1990.
Other near misses you could mention are Innes Ireland for BRM 1962; Jochen Rindt for Brabham in 1970; Mario Andretti or Alan Jones to Ferrari in 1978; Gilles Villeneuve for McLaren in 1982; Mika Hakkinen to Williams for 1993 and for 2005; Heidfeld missing out on McLaren seat etc; Chris Amon turning down several offers etc. Alonso and Red Bull talks.
Great idea! How about a top 10 of F1 drivers that should have made it to the series? You can start with Tom Kristensen
Throw Scott Dixon in there too
Aslak Vind Can we include drivers like Sarrazin and Lotterer who deserved a full time drive?
Paul Tracy also another on that list, was potentially being lined up by Benetton for ‘95
Thackwell (ignoring 3 ftps in '80, 83 and '84!)
Greg Moore
Gonzalo Rodriguez
Bert Fabi
Morris Sala
Andy Wallace
Benoit Treluyer
Tom Kristensen
Marco Apicella (ignore Monza '93)
Paul Tracy
Sam Hornish
Helio Castroneves
Scott Dixon
Gil de Ferran
Esteban Guerrieri
Enrique Mansilla
Ronnie Peterson had already made contract to drive McLaren for the 1979 season, but that was never to happen.
Also, Williams nearly got Mika Häkkinen driving them for 1993 season but there was some contract dispute with Lotus.
Yep people forget that Hill was in the right place at the right time for 1993. If it had been a year earlier Blundell would have got it. If i recall it was a straight choice between Damon and Brundle for the '93 drive.
McLaren tried to sign Herbert for '94 as he worked well with Mika in '92 but Lotus wouldn't release him then Prost refused to come back and Brundle got the drive.
I love these types of videos. Amazing to think Porsche and Footwork/Arrows could have become a powerhouse if they had Mansell and Newey paired with a Porsche engine that actually worked. Success often breeds success.
I don't know if this counts as one. But Sauber was keen for Michael Schumacher for the 2013 season when he announced retirement.
Yeah, I also find that rumour on my country language.
Sorry too late over 3 years. 🙏
Helmut Marko to Ferrari, he has already signed the contract but had a crash were he lost an eye
Schumacher in Ferrari 2009???
Oh yeah and then he had an accident with his motorbike right ? And Ferrari signed Fisico
Luca TV I only know that he had a small fracture on his neck.
No, Schumacher to BrownGP, but he met with an accident and they signed button.
How about two of the most famous American F1 almost weres? Parnelli Jones to Lotus and Rick Mears to Brabham.
Dixon had a test back in '04 with Williams too. He could have had a decent-to-good career in F1.
Great list. Senna Benetton is the one that blows me away.
In 1992 i was offered a drive for Williams. I chose to play my cards aggressively and told them i wouldn't do it for anything less then 1.2 million a race... I really thought i had them in a position where they couldn't say no. Turns out they just laughed at me and said that driving the food catering company truck wasn't even a salary position and that it started at $12 an hour with free lunch on race day after a 90 day probationary period from time of hire.
Best thing I've read all week 😂
Brilliant 😂
Imagine if Benetton had a driver lineup of Schumacher and Senna in 1994, that would have been a god damn dream team
Meanwhile in an alternate universe... “Vettel to Ferrari” 😭
Lord Mahaveer Maldonado I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have been. The whole point of them shying away from Vettel now is they wanted a Barichello/Bottas type and not a top driver
Mika Häkkinen to WIlliams for 1993 season. Apparently that contract was almost signed but Williams had missed out on officially announcing their drivers for that season and thus Lotus team boss at that time managed to blocked Häkkinen from moving to Williams cause they really wanted to keep him after his great performances in 1992 season with the team. Ofc that then resulted Mika leaving the team anyway to become Mclaren test driver for 1993 season.
In my understanding Häkkinen really was Williams number 1 choice to partner with Prost for 1993, not Brundle, nor Damon Hill.
Also several ways Kimi's career could have went after 2009 season:
-Kimi to Mclaren in 2010
-Kimi to Williams in 2012
-Kimi to Red Bull in 2014
Schumacher to McLaren in 1999/2000
Häkkinen to Ferrari’s in 01
Hill’s rumoured move to McLaren for 1998
he was offered contracts by nearly all teams on the grid as he had driven for arraws before from prost,stewart,jordan and mclaren
Jean Alesi nearly joined Williams for 1991
Alonso and Montoya were on Red Bull's shortlist for their 2007 lineup
Michele Alboreto, Luca Badoer and Andrea Montermini were all participated in a shootout for the 2nd Benetton seat in 1994
The most bonkers one is this, Giancarlo Minardi once said that he did some serious talks with Ayrton Senna for a seat in Minardi and a role as a part-owner of the team during the 1993 season
But Lehto outpaced all of those 3 in testing. If JJ had not broken his neck early in'94 I think he would havee become the best no.2 for Schumacher Benetton ever had, and would have been in prime position to lead the team in '95 onwards when Schu left for Ferrari.
I feel like you could've included Maldonado to Ferrari in 2014.
Jenson Button to Williams (twice in 2 years)
After the summer break of 2004, news broke that Jenson Button was going to return to the team that gave him his F1 debut in 2000, Williams. Not only was the sport stunned and slightly bemused by this news, as he was having the season of his life up to then, but the team he was with at the time, BAR, disputed the contract he'd signed with Williams. It went to the Contract Recognition Board, which ruled in BAR's favour, though Button and Williams said that he would be with the team in 2006. However, 12 months on, Button changed his mind about who he wanted to drive for. Williams were losing their supply of BMW engines from 2006 and he felt it was better to stick with BAR that would be rebranded as Honda in 2006. He paid Williams millions in compensation out of his own pocket and remained with the team until the end of his championship winning season in 2009
Great videos, look forward to these everytime you post them. Thankyou!
Heard a rumor that Jacques Villeneuve was considered for coulthards McLaren seat for 1999. that would have been a strong line up for mclaren.
This videos are life. Thanks for those.
This was awesome! Thanks for the compilation ;)
Valentino Rossi to ferrari for 2007
Yeah he was really fast
Also, Derek Warwick signed for Lotus for 1986 but was vetoed...
He was Patrese's number 2 that year after Elio De Angelis(Nigel Mansell Dominator) died
@@chamindujanith6337 Yes. How he got the drive at Brabham is a story in itself. Bernie Ecclestone was pleased Warwick didn't call the team after de Angelis died as others had done wanting the drive. So Ecclestone chose Warwick.
Senna's attempted move to Ferrari for 1995 season (as described by Luca di Montezomolo in recent podcast) should be on the list, if not top of the list
Scott Dixon to Williams in 2004
Kubica to Ferrari still hurts me to this day. I feel he could have been champion by now
Lord Mahaveer Maldonado I mean 2012, 2017 and 2018 Ferrari were decent. He had similar talent to Vettel or Alonso
@@joshpotts5063 You sure? Kubica was outqualified by Heidfeld as teammates
Jos Verstappen almost drove 2004 for Jordan.
Bruno Senna was in line to join Honda for 2009 with JB until the team pulled out and Rubens Barrichello stayed on which turned to Brawn Gp.
Part 2.
1. Vettel to Mercedes in 2018
2. Hamilton to Red Bull in 2012/2013
3. Bottas to Ferrari in 2016
4. Button to Mercedes in 2010
Takuma Sato to Toro Rosso in 200...9(?) that went as far as him testing the car was a weird one. There were also rumours of Olivier Panis moving to Ferrari to replace Irvine for 1998 after his superb start to 1997, with them deciding on Barrichello after Panis couldn't replicate that form post leg break.
I think the 2005 button move to Williams should be added in the next video. Yes I know button raced for Williams in his first F1 season in 2000, but the big contract controversy put pay to him returning there in 2005
I remember Dutchman Jan Lammers being on a short list at Scuderia Ferrari, late 1982. Just before he would go on audience with Il Commendatore in Maranello, Lammers broke his thumb. Mario Andretti filled the gap and took pole at Monza.
All heidfeld contracts need to be in this vid, this guy has an incredible badluck for these
4:49 "OH SO CLOSE!"
Schumacher to Williams was another big almost move
''What?!'' That one caught me off guard :D
Read this as he said it lol
Senna move to Bennetton is well known in Brazil, Briatore called lot of sponsorship from Brazilian industries/business to help him, but most of the Brazilian money makers wanted to see him on Williams, and maybe Ferrari. We know what happened
Another suggestion I have, Derek Warwick to Lotus (what would have been the first time). After the Works Renault team pulled out at the end of 1985, Derek Warwick signed a contract to join Lotus as team mate to Ayrton Senna. There was just one problem, Senna blocked the move. Supposedly it was because he felt that Lotus was no good at running two competitive cars, but in actuality, it was because he felt that because Derek was on the rise at the same time as Senna, Senna felt that Warwick was too close in terms of competitiveness compared to him. Given how Derek was subsequently lumbered with often hopelessly uncompetitive machinery in his time in F1, it would have been interesting to see how Derek Warwick would have fared against Senna
When the 2006 season began, Alonso had already signed the deal with McLaren for 2007. For a while, it was rumoured that Kimi Raikkonen could have been his replacement.
Again, when Kimi Raikkonen was considering his return to F1 for 2012, he negotiated with Lotus, but also with Williams.
I also remember at the end of 2013, when Raikkonen announced his departure from Lotus to Ferrari, Eric Boullier suggested the Genii Capital Board to hire Nico Hulkenberg for 2014. They went with Pastor Maldonado, because they needed his money.
Mika Häkkinen to both Ferrari (I think it was for 2000) and Williams (1993) would be interesting. Also Damon Hill to McLaren (1998)
Alesi nearly went to Williams as many others have noted. But what about Derek Warwick to Lotus Renault only to be vetoed by Senna?
Warwick to Ferrari in May 82
I remember reading that Ferrari also wanted Senna for that 94 season. Not sure if there is any truth to that.
Marko tried to lure Montoya to RB for 2007 but JPM had already made his mind up to leave F1. It would have been Juan Pablo who got the top cars likely alongside Vettel. That would have been very interesting, as I think we would all agree Monster was a level above Webber.
Jacques Villeneuve to Mclaren, Kimi returning to Mclaren, Damon Hill rejecting every contender team to retain his 1996 title to Arrows.. and so on 😝
Schumacher to Mclaren for 1996, Heidfeld to Mclaren instead of Kimi.
I watched the '97 race at Monaco yesterday. And the commentator said it was almost sure that Hill would've drove for Stewart in '97 instead of Arrows, but the payment he wished for was too high for Stewart... So they went for Barrichello and Magnussen.
I missed the two times that Barrichello could drive for McLaren in 1995 and 2010.
Verstappen to Jordan could have appeared 3 times! Jordan was interested in signing in 2004 alongside Heidfeld, I think he even did the shakedown at Silverstone.
God damn you had to remind us of Jules... God do we miss him so much, such a great character that we never got to see again.
Ronnie Pererson was going to McLaren in 1979, and the announcement was made in Monza, two days before his fatal crash.
Gunnar Nilsson was hired by Arrows in 1978 before he was ill with testicular cancer and eventuallly died of the disease, in october 1978.
Didn't Pastor Maldonado claim he was close to a Ferrari drive at one point? Or have I just imagined some horrible alternate universe!
he said that
Some extra "almost" cases:
1. Jan Lammers to Ferrari.
Jan Lammers almost was signed by Ferrari in 1982, as Ferrari was looking for a driver to fill the seat of Gilles Villeneuve after his fatal crash in Zolder.
Lammers would test the Ferrari before signing, but broke his thumb in a crash just before the test would be done.
Injured and unable to test, Ferrari had no other option than to look further.
2. Verstappen to Mclaren.
In 1993, Jos Verstappen was as big as a hype as Max was when he joined F1.
Verstappen had a test in Estoril with Footwork, where he was quicker then the regular racedrivers of the team and drove a laptime that would have given him an exeptionally good grid position in the race, that wad held just that weekend before.
Many F1 teams were interested in signing Verstappen, and Mclaren offered Jos a test.
Dennis wanted to sign Jos a a testdriver for 1994, but Flavio Briatore was the one who knicked Jos from Mclaren just in time. Benneton offered Jos a testcontract for 1994, to prepare him for a garantied Benneton race seat in 1995.
After Benneton J.J. Letho broke his neck in a crash, Jos was catapulted in F1 as the replacement. A unique chance, but also a move that eventually broke his career. The wild and unexperienced Verstappen could not keep up with Schumacher due beginner mistakes and a car that was designef for Schumacher, and lacked a lot of updates compared to the German. Verstappen managed to get better during the season, with 2 podiums.
Verstappen expected to keep his Benneton seat for 1995, as was promised in his contract. But the team chose the more ecperienced Herbert, and Briatore put Verstappen in a Simtek.
From that moment on, Verstappen never got another chance in a top team car.
Although he was close to sign with Mclaren, Sauber or Jordan for 1997, he choose to sign with Tyrrell, which turned out to be a mistake since that team would loose the Yamaha engine.
3. Senna to Ferrari.
It is by now a pretty well known story, but Senna planned to join Ferrari for 1996 to end his career with. Williams proved to be the dominant team and Senna expected to win 1994 and 1995 title. After 1995, Senna would have wanted to move to Ferrari to drive his last years in F1 with.
Unfortunally, faith decided otherwise.
4. Mansell to Jordan.
After Mansell left Mclaren after a couple of races in 1995 in the failed concept of the '95 car, Mansell tried one last time.
In 1996 he tested a Jordan. Benson & Hedges wanted him in the car in 1997 as replacement for Brundle or Barrichello.
Mansell decided not to sign and never intended another try to make an F1 comeback.
Also if rumours were true, Johnny Herbert to Williams for 1989 (allegedly, Frank Williams was at Brands Hatch on the day of Herbert's F3000 crash, contract in hand).
The next video should have the Rosberg meme in the background of each intro title. That would be epic.
Jenson to Ferrari for 2014, he wrote about it in his book
Irvine to Jordan 1999 and 2003, Barrichello to mclaren 1995,roland ratzenberger jordan 1992, mika salo jordan 1991
Senna to Benetton? Or to Penske in the Indycar-series? Its tragic that every of these alternatives would have saved his life and would gave him a winning-package. He picked death instead.
You should include the Hill to Mclaren move that nearly happened for 1998. Another good one would be Hill to Stewart for 1997 but I'm not sure if that one was true or not.
Moss to Ferrari, Stewart to Ferrari, Senna to Ferrari, and my favourite...
Gilles to McLaren for 1983
Apparently the deal was done... Before Imola it was a consideration, after Imola it was a definite!
@@jamesdyer7960 A pity we never found out. Villeneuve in a Tag-Porsche McLaren could have been epic, although fuel economy driving in the mid 80s might not have been to his liking.
@@gorkab8461 He would have detested the fuel saving garbage but loved full boost balls out qualifying!!! Interestingly Prost may never have got a drive in '84, as if Gilles had signed it would likely have been as Lauda's teammate in '82. Maybe the TAG engine would have come on stream earlier with a real ace like GV in the team.
Mika Häkkinen was on his way to Williams twice, but the deal fell through both times. He had already signed with Williams for 1993, but because Williams screwed up their entry, Lotus managed to block the move, Williams went with Damon Hill instead and Mika ended up as McLaren’s test driver before replacing Michael Andretti near the end of the season. He was in talks with Williams again for 2005, but I believe he felt he was too out of shape for F1 and went to DTM instead.
Love this Channel🤩🤩
Apparently there was a plan to move Jeff Gordon from NASCAR to BAR-Honda with a year or 2 in CART/Indy Car in between as his training platform into open wheel formula cars. Gordon backed out for a few reasons including Hendrick, his NASCAR team, offering him a fat new contract to keep him there.
Valentino Rossi to Ferrari ❤️ That would've been awesome!!!
Didn't Kimi almost joined redbull?
correct for the 2012 season
Lofi Juice and then RedBull would have fired the reigning double World Champion or Mark Webber ? No !
@@Luca33600 yh its true tho they would have got rid of webber
@@doublecub In my undersanding Red Bull considered Kimi for 2014 season, NOT for 2012. 2013 was the year Webber was gonna walk out after what happened in Malaysia (mutli 21) but instead of going for Kimi, Red Bull offered the seat to Ricciardo who was ofc part of their young driver program and they have stuck to their young driver program ever since.
I remember this clearly because there was heck of speculation going on whether Kimi would go to Red Bull or Ferrari. For 2012 the only 2 teams that were speculated were Williams and Lotus.
Senna at benneton with Schumacher would have been epic.
Kimi to Ferrari at 2001
Villeneuve joining Mclaren in 2001,
Button going to Williams in 2005
Alesi joining Williams in 1991
Ben “Tiametmarduk” signing for Ferrari (XD)