These were the most epic Formula 1 comebacks

Our look back begins with a US Grand Prix from 43 years ago.

Briton John Watson and Niki Lauda, one year after his return to Formula 1, were hoping for victory at the second race of the season in Long Beach. However, McLaren struggled with its Michelin tires in qualifying, only managing 22nd and 23rd place due to problems.

But in the race, McLaren suddenly got their tires up to temperature. Both Watson and Lauda stormed through the field in tandem.

Lauda drove ahead of Watson - until both drivers closed in on the lead. Then the Briton overtook Lauda, paving his way to race victory. In the end, the two McLaren drivers finished almost an entire lap ahead of the rest of the competition.

Rubens Barrichello had to wait eight long years for his first F1 race victory. However, a risky decision at the Hockenheimring in 2000 finally gave the Brazilian cause to celebrate.

The day before, in qualifying, things didn't look good at all. Following a technical defect, Barrichello had to switch to Michael Schumacher's spare Ferrari, only managing 18th place.

However, Barrichello remained unfazed on race Sunday and steadily worked his way into the leading pack. Shortly before the final stages, a rain shower finally hit the Hockenheimring.

Almost the entire field switched to wet tires, but Barrichello stayed out on slicks, thus taking the lead.

The Brazilian was ultimately rewarded for this courageous decision and shed endless tears of joy on the podium.

Some racetracks have shaped Formula 1 for several decades. Suzuka is one of them. 21 years ago, Kimi Räikkönen delivered an incredible performance at the Japanese Grand Prix.

However, he initially misjudged things in qualifying, only going out late in wet conditions and securing just 17th on the grid.

But on race Sunday, the legendary Finn carved his way through the field. Without DRS support, which, of course, was only introduced many years later, Räikkönen provided pure racing action with his overtakes.

Eight laps from the end, he returned after a pit stop in second place behind Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault). Räikkönen continuously closed the gap and celebrated victory in Japan after one of the most legendary overtakes on the outside at around 300 km/h.

The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix wrote not just one, but several stories.

The race in Montreal lasted an incredible 4 hours and 4 minutes. After a downpour, virtually the entire track was under water. A chaotic race was practically inevitable. The race had to be red-flagged for no less than 125 minutes. But Jenson Button in the McLaren defied the conditions with a sensational performance.

The Briton had to make a total of six pit stops in the Canadian rain after multiple collisions, and at one point found himself in 21st and last place.

On a half-wet track in the final phase, Button embarked on an incredible comeback. Only on the 70th and final lap did he overtake race leader Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) to triumph in Canada.

In his career, Max Verstappen has had several races that he and his fans will likely never forget. The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix is certainly one of them.

In a disastrous qualifying session, Verstappen retired in Q2 and, after an engine change, had to start the race from 17th on the grid. However, a turbulent race, marked by torrential rain, a red flag, and multiple safety car periods, still led Verstappen to victory.

The Red Bull driver kept a cool head on what was truly a slippery track, demonstrating his qualities as a strong wet-weather driver. This ultimately paved the way for the Dutchman to secure his fourth consecutive world championship title.

Two years after Verstappen's victory, Kimi Antonelli now writes another story of a sensational Formula 1 comeback.

Following an engine change, the Italian youngster started his home race in Monza from just 19th on the grid. A triumphant comeback led the 20-year-old to race victory and delivered the first Italian win at Monza in 60 years.