From the bench to the track: drivers who returned to F1

Franco Colapinto 's return, so far temporary, to Formula 1 with Alpine for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix marks a new chapter in the history of drivers who, after a period away from the top category, find a new opportunity on the grid.

It's worth noting that Colapinto never officially left Formula 1; upon leaving Williams, he was hired by Alpine as a reserve driver . Taking the wheel for the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, he will be on trial for five races, before a decision will be made on whether he stays, or whether Alpine will alternate with Doohan.

Jack Doohan is one of four drivers who have not scored a single point in the current 2025 Formula 1 season, along with Fernando Alonso , Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto .

In his debut season, 2024, Franco Colapinto finished 19th with five points , but beyond the small number of points, the South American stood out for his audacity behind the wheel, his eloquence in interviews and his good humour, making him one of the Latin Americans on the grid, alongside Sergio “Checo” Pérez, whom he said was his idol as a child.

Over the years, several riders have taken sabbaticals or temporary retreats before returning to the big stage. Below, EL INFORMADOR reviews some of the most notable :

Fernando Alonso

The two-time world champion retired at the end of 2018 after an uncompetitive spell with McLaren . During his absence, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice and the World Endurance Championship, in addition to competing in the Dakar Rally and the Indianapolis 500. He returned in 2021 with Alpine, demonstrating solid performances and renewing his contract with Aston Martin until 2026.

Michael Schumacher

The seven-time world champion retired in 2006 with Ferrari . In 2010, he returned to Mercedes, remaining until 2012. Although he failed to achieve podium finishes in his comeback, his return was significant for the German team in its early development.

Kimi Raikkonen

The Finn left F1 in 2009 after being replaced at Ferrari . During his hiatus, he competed in the World Rally Championship and NASCAR. He returned in 2012 with Lotus, achieving wins and podium finishes, and then returned to Ferrari in 2014, where he won the 2018 US GP.

Nico Hülkenberg

After losing his Renault seat in 2019, Hülkenberg spent three years as a reserve driver , competing in a few races as a substitute. In 2023, he returned full-time with Haas and joined Sauber in 2025, showing inconsistent performances.

Alan Jones

The 1980 World Champion retired in 1981. He returned briefly in 1983 with Arrows and then in 1985 with the Haas Lola team, although without any notable results.

Daniel Ricciardo

After a difficult spell at McLaren, Ricciardo became Red Bull 's reserve driver in 2023. He returned to racing with AlphaTauri, but his performance fell short and he was replaced by Liam Lawson in 2024.

Sergio Pérez?

The Mexican driver left the top flight of motorsports after completing the 2024 season and excelling with Red Bull, where he finished runner-up in the world championship. Rumors indicate that "Checo" could return, but now at the wheel of the new American team, Cadillac.

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