Where Are They Now? The 21 Drivers from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes Debut
Read next: Formula 1 World Champions — A legacy of racing legends
A detailed look at where the 21 drivers from Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes debut in 2013 are today. Learn about their careers in F1, motorsport, and beyond.
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for the highly anticipated start of his Ferrari journey at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, we take a step back to 2013—the year Hamilton made his debut with Mercedes. That year’s season opener in Melbourne marked his first race with the Silver Arrows, kicking off a dominant chapter in F1 history. But what happened to the other 21 drivers on the grid that day? Let’s find out.
Nico Hulkenberg
Nico Hulkenberg’s 2013 campaign with Sauber began disastrously as a fuel system issue resulted in a DNS at the Australian Grand Prix. He ended the season 10th in the standings, later moving to Force India and Renault. After a brief hiatus, Hulkenberg made a comeback with Haas in 2023 and is set to drive for Stake in 2025 before joining Audi’s F1 team.
Pastor Maldonado
Pastor Maldonado left F1 after the 2015 season but remained active as a Pirelli test driver and in sportscar racing. Although he hasn’t competed professionally in recent years, Maldonado has expressed interest in returning to motorsport in a managerial role.
Nico Rosberg
Hamilton’s teammate and longtime rival, Nico Rosberg, retired after winning the 2016 championship. Rosberg has since become a commentator, entrepreneur, and environmental advocate. He previously owned a team in Formula E and remains a prominent voice in motorsport.
Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo’s journey from Red Bull to Renault and McLaren saw its highs and lows. After losing his McLaren seat, he had a short stint in VCARB but was dropped in 2024. Ricciardo has since taken time away from racing and ruled out another comeback.
Giedo van der Garde
Giedo van der Garde’s sole F1 season in 2013 with Caterham led to a focus on endurance racing. He has competed in Le Mans and various other series and now works as an F1 pundit in the Netherlands.
Max Chilton
Max Chilton transitioned to IndyCar after F1, where he raced until 2021. He remains active in motorsport, recently setting a Goodwood record in the McMurtry Automotive Speirling fan car, and has expanded his business ventures.
Charles Pic
Charles Pic left F1 after 2013, later competing in Formula E and acquiring the DAMS team in F2 and F3 in 2022.
Jules Bianchi
Jules Bianchi tragically passed away in 2015 following a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. His legacy led to significant safety advancements in F1.
Valtteri Bottas
Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, returned to the team in 2025 as a reserve driver. Away from racing, Bottas enjoys cycling and spending time in Australia with his partner Tiffany Cromwell.
Esteban Gutiérrez
After leaving F1, Esteban Gutiérrez raced in Formula E and IndyCar before becoming a Mercedes development driver and brand ambassador.
Jean-Éric Vergne
Jean-Éric Vergne left F1 in 2014 to pursue a successful career in Formula E, where he became a two-time champion. He also competes in WEC and will race for Penske in 2025.
Sergio Pérez
Sergio Pérez joined Red Bull in 2021 and achieved several podiums before being replaced in 2024. While his future plans remain unclear, he hasn’t ruled out a return to F1.
Romain Grosjean
Romain Grosjean transitioned to IndyCar and later signed with Lamborghini for sportscar racing following his remarkable recovery from a fiery 2020 crash.
Jenson Button
Jenson Button retired from F1 in 2016 but continues to race in other series, including WEC and NASCAR. He also serves as a pundit for Sky Sports.
Paul di Resta
Paul di Resta pursued a career in DTM and endurance racing after his F1 career ended. He has also worked as a pundit and competed in one-off F1 races.
Adrian Sutil
Adrian Sutil’s F1 career ended in 2014. He recently raced in the Ferrari Challenge Europe and made headlines for crashing a McLaren Senna LM.
Mark Webber
Mark Webber retired from F1 in 2013 and transitioned to endurance racing with Porsche. He now manages Oscar Piastri and remains active in motorsport management.
Felipe Massa
Felipe Massa left F1 in 2017 and pursued stock car racing. He is currently involved in legal action regarding the 2008 championship.
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel retired in 2022 and has since focused on environmental advocacy and spending time with his family. Despite rumors, he has not returned to F1.
Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso remains on the F1 grid in 2025, driving for Aston Martin. His career spans titles, endurance racing victories, and a remarkable return to the sport.
Kimi Räikkönen
Kimi Räikkönen retired in 2021 but occasionally competes in NASCAR. His focus now is on supporting his son Robin’s burgeoning karting career.
Up Next
