F1 has seen many drivers moves almost happen and here you will find and explanation of some of the closest to occur.
Jenson Button to Ferrari in 2013
Jenson Button has revealed since that in 2012, the move to Ferrari was "ready to go" but the deal eventually fell through. The move occurred following the results of Brazilian driver Felipe Massa were underwellming in comparison to title contender Fernando Alonso.
Button was one of the drivers top of the list to replace Massa at Ferrari in 2013. The deal eventually fell through as Button and Massa continued at their respective teams for the 2013 season before Massa was replaced by Kim Raikkonen for the 2014 season.
Nico Hulkenberg to Mercedes in 2013
Another move that almost happened in 2013 was Nico Hulkenberg to Mercedes. Following Michael Schumacher's announcement in 2012 that he would be leaving the sport at the end of the year, Mercedes were forced to look elsewhere for a driver to partner Nico Rosberg.
Lewis Hamilton topped this list with Nico Hulkenberg 2nd. What made this move close was the uncertainty of Hamilton and whether or not the Brit would leave McLaren. If this deal fell through, Nico Hulkenberg would likely of signed for the Mercedes team.
Robert Kubica to Ferrari in 2012
Robert Kubica was so close to a Ferrari seat for the 2012 season, it has been revealed that a deal was signed for the Polish driver to join the team for the upcoming season.
However due to his career changing rally crash in early 2011, Kubica didn't return back to F1 until 2019 with Williams and left the sport just a year after in 2020. Kubica now does test work for Alfa Romeo Sauber.
Michael Schumacher to McLaren in 1999
7 time world champion Michael Schumacher joined Ferrari in 1996 after winning 2 championship at Benneton. Michael went to Ferrari with the vision to win championships.
Despite coming runner up in the 1998 season to McLaren rival Mika Hakkinen, it has been revealed that McLaren and Schumacher had secret talks over a 1999 move to partner rival Mika Hakkinen. It was also believed that car designer Adrian Newey was the main attraction for Schumacher.
Lewis Hamilton to Red Bull in 2013
Lewis Hamilton joined Mercedes in 2013 but there was a chance the Brit was going elsewhere that season.
According to Red Bull's Chrisian Horner, Hamilton was "desperate" to join the Red Bull team in 2012 and 2013. Horner also revealed that before signing for Mercedes, Hamilton approached Red Bull again but was unsuccessful.