This feature is currently not available because you need to provide consent to functional cookies. Please update your
Video
CHAIN REACTION: How one 1990s driver swap led to Lewis Hamilton’s first F1 world championship
It is not unheard of for a driver swap to be made in Formula 1 – but, on one occasion in particular, the consequences of such a move had a fascinating knock-on effect in the years that followed.
In the second episode of our new series Chain Reaction, we take a look at how the decision to switch Alex Zanardi and Juan Pablo Montoya in 1999 – with Zanardi returning to F1 with Williams, while Montoya headed to the CART series in the United States – had a lasting impact on the sport.
As the episode explains, this move kickstarted a sequence of key events which ultimately led to Lewis Hamilton winning his first world championship with McLaren in 2008.
Hit go on the video player above to watch Episode 2 of Chain Reaction.
RACE TICKETS - LAS VEGAS
Don't miss your chance to be at the next Grand Prix and experience F1 on the streets of Las Vegas...
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Feature Unique things to see and do in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world
News F1 confirms plans for first ever season launch event at London’s The O2 in 2025
Feature Driving test guilt, Lightning McQueen and singing with Tsunoda – Getting to know the real Liam Lawson
FeatureF1 Unlocked ANALYSIS: Why Alpine have favoured Mercedes’ power units over their own engines for 2026