Failure to Success (and vice versa)

[Har1MAS1415]

One of the first things mentioned in the "Failures..." thread was the 21st Century McLaren-Honda partnership.

The Honda turbo hybrid was ultimately redeemed somewhat by Max Verstappen winning the 2021 title.

Also, McLaren have just won their first Constructors title since 1998.

Any other stories of redemption in Motorsport that any one knows about?

 

[TumeK5]

Any other stories of redemption in Motorsport that any one knows about?

...and vice versa?

Kevin Magnussen scoring his one and only podium on debut.

 

[Liquid]

Alfa Romeo went from dominating the BTCC in 1994, winning both titles at a canter, to propping up the rear of the grid in 1995, finishing second-bottom just ahead of Peugeot.

Vauxhall went from front-row title winners with their 1995 Cavalier to occasional podium-seekers with their 1996 Vectra and then to outside the top 10 with their 1997 Vectra.

Audi's 4-wheel drive A4 won the title in 1996 and came second in 1997 but its 1998 2-wheel drive A4 was way off the pace and Audi pulled out after that.

Vauxhall (again) went from worst works team in 2000 to dominant force for the next five seasons.

Plenty more examples like that to be found in the BTCC. I haven't got time for detailed essays on them at the moment but it's a start.

 

[Roo]

Penske dominating the 1994 Indy 500 to failing to qualify the following year.

McLaren's WCC is notable not just for being their first title since Hamilton's first WDC, but after round 8 of 2023 in mid June they had just 16 points. In less than 18 months they went from 6th in the WCC after Canada '23 to champions.

 

[TumeK5]

McLaren after round 8 of 2023 in mid June had just 16 points. In less than 18 months they went from 6th in the WCC after Canada '23 to champions.

This is honestly one of the most impressive things to happen in F1 as of late.

Very similar to Honda in 2008, to becoming a strong competitor (and double champions) the following year. McLaren's newfound form reminds me of that.