Drivers Who Raced for Both Ferrari and McLaren in F1

Few rivalries in F1 history carry the same prestige as Ferrari and McLaren, and the Drivers Who Raced for Ferrari and McLaren include some of the sport’s greatest names.

Both teams have shaped the sport across several generations, producing championship-winning cars, legendary drivers and some of the most memorable moments in F1 history.

The Italian manufacturer from Maranello, has been part of the sport since the championship began in 1950.

McLaren joined later, in 1966, but the British team gradually established itself as one of the most successful teams in the sport. Although their approaches and identities have often been different, both have attracted some of the greatest talents in racing.

From Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, to Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, here is a look at the drivers who raced for both Ferrari and McLaren in F1, including world champions, race winners and some fascinating career connections.

World Champions Who Raced for Ferrari and McLaren

Throughout F1 history, several world champions have raced for both Ferrari and McLaren. However, not all of them won championships with these two teams, as some secured their titles with other constructors. Only one driver managed to win World Championships with both Ferrari and McLaren during his Formula 1 career.

Niki Lauda (Ferrari: 1974–1977 | McLaren: 1982–1985)

Niki Lauda occupies a special place in F1 history, having won World Championships with both Ferrari and McLaren; his career with the two teams produced some of the most remarkable chapters in the sport.

Lauda joined Ferrari in 1974, and his first championship arrived a year later in 1975, when he dominated the season with the Ferrari 312T. He was also fighting for another title in 1976 with Hunt, but after his serious Nürburgring incident, he made a remarkable return just six weeks later and continued fighting for the championship, eventually losing it to James Hunt by only one point. Lauda secured his second title with Ferrari in 1977 before leaving the team at the end of the season and join Brabham.

After retiring temporarily in 1979, Lauda returned to F1 with McLaren in 1982. The British team become a championship contender, and in 1984 Lauda achieved his third World Championship. He defeated teammate Alain Prost by just half a point, which remains the smallest championship margin in F1 history.

Alain Prost (McLaren: 1980, 1984–1989 | Ferrari: 1990–1991)

Alain Prost enjoyed some of the most successful years of his career with McLaren team, becoming a three-time world champion.

His first McLaren appearance came in 1980, but his most successful period began with his return in 1984. Alain Prost won his first championship in 1985, followed by another in 1986. His third McLaren title came in 1989, during one of the most intense teammate rivalries F1 had ever witnessed. Prost’s relationship with Senna became difficult, with their rivalry reaching its most controversial moments at Suzuka in 1989. The French driver left McLaren at the end of the season and joined the rival team Ferrari for 1990.

At Maranello, again, Alain Prost became a championship contender, driving the Ferrari 641, Prost won five races and challenged Senna for the title. Their rivalry reached another dramatic conclusion at Suzuka, where a first-lap collision secured the championship for Senna. Prost finished runner-up.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren: 2007–2012 | Ferrari: 2025–present)

Lewis Hamilton’s career with McLaren and Ferrari represents one of the most significant team transfers in modern F1 history.

Hamilton made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007, and he challenged the two-time champion Fernando Alonso in his first year. In his rookie season, the British driver missed the title by just one point, finishing third overall after a remarkable campaign.

One years later, Hamilton achieved his first World Championship with McLaren; his dramatic victory at the 2008 Brazilian GP, where he secured the title on the final lap of the season, overtaking Timo Glock in the last corner, that race became one of the most memorable finishes in F1 history.

After six seasons with McLaren, Hamilton moved to Mercedes in 2013 to replace Michael Schumacher.

However, after winning six titles with Mercedes team, his decision to leave the team and join Ferrari for 2025 created enormous excitement throughout the motorsport world. The move brought Hamilton to the most famous team in F1, giving him the opportunity to add another chapter to his already historic career.

Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren: 2002–2006 | Ferrari: 2007–2009, 2014–2018)

Kimi Raikkonen became a fan favourite at both McLaren and Ferrari.

Raikkonen joined McLaren in 2002 after replacing Mika Hakkinen. Although he didn’t win a championship with the team, he came close on two occasions. In 2003, he finished runner-up to Michael Schumacher by just two points, while in 2005 he challenged Fernando Alonso for the title despite repeated mechanical problems.

The Finnish driver joined Ferrari for 2007 season. That was the best decision he could make, as he won the World Championship in his first season with the Italian team. He finished ahead of both Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in one of the closest championship battles in modern F1 history, and Raikkonen remains the last champion of Scuderia Ferrari.

After leaving Ferrari in 2009, Raikkonen returned to the team in 2014 and remained there until the end of 2018. During his second spell, he secured another victory, winning the 2018 United States GP.

Fernando Alonso (McLaren: 2007, 2015–2018 | Ferrari: 2010–2014)

Fernando Alonso is another champion whose career connected two of F1’s biggest teams. After winning consecutive championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, he joined McLaren for the 2007.

His first spell with the British team was short but unforgettable, Alonso found himself competing against rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton, with their internal rivalry becoming one of the biggest stories of the season. Both drivers finished level on points, just one point behind champion Kimi Raikkonen.

Alonso returned to Renault for 2008 and 2009 before joining Ferrari in 2010. He became a title contender in his first year at the team, winning his first race for the Italian team in Bahrain. During his five years at Maranello, he finished runner-up in the championship three times, in 2010, 2012 and 2013.

In 2015, Alonso returned to McLaren, beginning a second spell that lasted until 2018. But the team had difficult period partnering Honda, and prevented the Spaniard from fighting for victories.

Nigel Mansell (Ferrari: 1989–1990 | McLaren: 1995)

Nigel Mansell brought his aggressive driving style and fighting spirit to both Ferrari and McLaren, although his experiences with the two teams were very different.

The British driver joined Ferrari in 1989 following his successful years with Williams. He made an impression by winning the Brazilian GP on his debut for the Scuderia. His fearless driving quickly earned him the nickname ‘Il Leone’, meaning THE LION, from the passionate Italian supporters. Mansell remained with Ferrari for the 1990 season, collecting further victories and finishing fifth in the championship that year.

After winning the 1992 F1 World Championship with Williams and enjoying success in American IndyCar racing, Mansell returned to F1 in 1995 with McLaren. But his comeback was far from successful, MP/10 McLaren car proved difficult to drive, and Mansell reportedly struggled to fit comfortably inside its cockpit, he competed in only two races before ending his association with the team.

Jody Scheckter (McLaren: 1972–1973 | Ferrari: 1979)

Jody Scheckter’s journey from a promising young driver to a F1 world champion included appearances for both McLaren and Ferrari.

The South African driver made his debut with McLaren at the 1972 United States GP at Watkins Glen. He became a full-time F1 driver in 1973, initially competing with the team before moving to Tyrrell.

Scheckter joined Ferrari in 1979 and became an important part of the team’s championship campaign. Driving alongside Gilles Villeneuve, he delivered consistent performances and secured his first and only F1 title.

His title was important for Ferrari, as the team would not win another drivers’ championship for 21 years until Michael Schumacher’s triumph in 2000.

Scheckter retired from F1 after the 1980 season, leaving behind a career that included victories for Tyrrell and Ferrari and a place among the sport’s world champions.

John Surtees (Ferrari: 1963–1966 | McLaren: 1970)

John Surtees has one of the most extraordinary records in motorsport; he remains the only person to win world championships on both two wheels and four, having secured seven motorcycle Grand Prix world titles before becoming F1 champion.

Surtees joined Ferrar in 1963, but his greatest achievement came in 1964, when he won the F1 World Championship after a dramatic final race in Mexico.

His relationship with Ferrari ended in 1966, but he continued his career with other teams and later founded his own F1 team.

Surtees also had a connection with McLaren during the 1970 season, when he made appearances in the team’s M7C machinery before focusing fully on his own Surtees team.

Grand Prix Winners and Regular Drivers Who Raced for Ferrari and McLaren

So far, we’ve covered the world champions who raced for Ferrari and McLaren. Below are other drivers who also represented both teams during their Formula 1 careers but never won a World Championship.

Carlos Sainz Jr. (McLaren: 2019–2020 | Ferrari: 2021–2024)

Carlos Sainz represents one of the most successful modern connections between Ferrari and McLaren, and the Spanish driver built an excellent reputation during his time with McLaren, where he became an important part of the team’s recovery after several difficult seasons during the 2010s.

He joined McLaren in 2019 and partnered rookie Lando Norris. Sainz delivered consistent points finishes, helping the team secure fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship. In 2020, he improved further and came close to winning the Italian Grand Prix, finishing second behind Pierre Gasly in a memorable race at Monza.

He joined Scuderia Ferrari in 2021 to replace Sebastian Vettel, he adapted well to the Italian team, scoring several podiums and securing his first Grand Prix victory at Silverstone in 2022.

Carlos Sainz won four Grands Prix during his time at Ferrari. His first victory came at Silverstone in 2022, followed by the Singapore Grand Prix in 2023. In 2024, he added two more wins to his record, triumphing at the Australian Grand Prix and the Mexican Grand Prix.

Gerhard Berger (Ferrari: 1987–1989, 1993–1995 | McLaren: 1990–1992)

Gerhard Berger was an important figure during one of F1’s most competitive periods, representing both Ferrari and McLaren during the late 1980s and 1990s.

The Austrian driver joined Ferrari in 1987, becoming teammates with Michele Alboreto. He won races in his first year at the team, taking victories in Japan and Australia. So one of his most memorable moment came at the 1988 Italian Grand Prix, when Gerhard Berger won at Monza just weeks after Enzo Ferrari passed away.

Berger moved to McLaren in 1990, where he partnered Ayrton Senna. Although Senna dominated much of their partnership and secured two World Championships, Berger was very important in helping Senna, and also collecting victories and podium finishes.

In 1993, Berger returned to Ferrari for another three seasons, winning the 1994 German Grand Prix.

Gerhard Berger remains one of the few drivers to have won Grands Prix for both Ferrari and McLaren during his Formula 1 career.

Jacky Ickx (Ferrari: 1968–1969, 1970–1973 | McLaren: 1973)

Jacky Ickx was one of the most versatile racing drivers of his generation, enjoying success in Formula 1, sports car racing and endurance competition. For me, he remains one of the greatest drivers never to win a Formula 1 World Championship.

His strongest F1 connection was with Ferrari, where he became one of the team’s leading drivers during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Belgian driver joined Ferrari in 1968, but he left to Brabham for the 1969 season.

His return to Ferrari for 1970 was even stronger, he finished runner-up in the championship, winning three races with the team.

Ickx’s connection with McLaren was much shorter but still produced an impressive result. In 1973, Ferrari was going through a difficult period, and Ickx left the team mid-season to drive for McLaren at the German Grand Prix. He drove the McLaren M23 as a one-off entry after Ferrari decided to withdraw from the event to work on the problems with its 312B3.

Despite having limited experience with McLaren car, Ickx delivered an outstanding performance and finished third, securing a podium on his only championship Grand Prix appearance for the team.

Gilles Villeneuve (McLaren: 1977 | Ferrari: 1977–1982)

Gilles Villeneuve is remembered as one of the most spectacular drivers ever to race for Ferrari. Although almost everyone associates him with the Italian team, few remember that his Formula 1 debut came with McLaren.

The Canadian appeared at the 1977 British GP, driving a McLaren M23E alongside James Hunt and Jochen Mass. Although he finished outside the points, but his performance attracted attention, particularly because he was driving an older car.

Enzo Ferrari was impressed by Villeneuve’s natural speed and decided to give him an opportunity later that season. He made his Ferrari debut at the Canadian GP, beginning a relationship that would become one of the most famous in F1 history.

Villeneuve remained with Ferrari until the incident at the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. Although he never won a World Championship with the team, his six victories and extraordinary driving style secured his place among the sport’s most memorable personalities.

Stefan Johansson (Ferrari: 1985–1986 | McLaren: 1987)

Stefan Johanson represented Ferrari and McLaren during the highly competitive turbocharged era of the 1980s.

The Swedish driver joined Ferrari in 1985, replacing Rene Arnoux and becoming Michele Alboreto teammate, Johansson scored several podium finishes and helping Ferrari remain competitive in the Constructors’ Championship. And he continued with the team in 1986, although the season proved more difficult as Ferrari struggled to match its rivals.

For 1987, Johansson moved to McLaren, where he partnered Alain Prost. The team was preparing for a new era of success, and Johansson contributed five podium finishes during the season. However, he never won a race for either Ferrari or McLaren. He remains one of the drivers with a long Formula 1 career who never won a Grand Prix, despite scoring 12 podiums during his time in the sport.

Patrick Tambay (McLaren: 1978–1979 | Ferrari: 1982–1983)

Patrick Tambay’s career with Ferrari and McLaren took palce during two very different periods of his F1 journey.

The Frenchman joined McLaren in 1978 and remained with the team for the 1979. However, Mclaren was having a difficult period as a team, struggling to compete with its rivals. Tambay showed promising speed but was unable to achieve the results he wanted.

After spending time away from F1, he returned to F1 with Ligier before receiving an opportunity that would define his career.

In 1982, Tambay joined Ferrari to replace Gilles Villeneuve. Tambay delivered an important victory at the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim in 1982, providing Ferrari with an emotional moment after the events earlier that season, and he also won again at Imola in 1983 and helped the team secure the Constructors’ Championship that year.

Two Teams, Countless Formula 1 Stories

The connection between Ferrari and McLaren goes far beyond their rivalry as two of F1’s most successful teams.

Some, like Niki Lauda, Alain Prost and Kimi Raikkonen, achieved World Championship glory with Ferrari or McLaren. Others, including Gerhard Berger, Gilles Villeneuve, Patrick Tambay and Carlos Sainz, became important figures in the history of both organisations.

There are also unusual conenctions, such as Jacky Ickx’s one race appearance for McLaren and Nigel Mansell’s short lived comeback with the British team.

With Lewis Hamilton joinin the red team in 2025, the connection between these two legendary teams continues into a new generation of F1 history.

Editorial note: This article covers drivers who made at least one World Championship Grand Prix appearance for both Ferrari and McLaren, including brief guest appearances.

Our previous article: For another look at some unusual Formula 1 career records, read our story about 6 Drivers With the Most F1 Entries but Zero Race Starts, featuring drivers who appeared on Grand Prix entry lists but never made it to the starting grid.

Featured Image Credits: Photo by Martin Lee — Gilles Villeneuve, Ferrari 312T3 at Druids, 1978 British Grand Prix (CC BY-SA 2.0) via FLICKR

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