8 times in-season development catapulted teams up the order

F1.com has highlighted eight remarkable examples of teams executing perfect mid-season upgrades to turn their fortunes around. As teams work towards the 2026 technical regulations, history shows that in-season development is crucial to the championship pecking order. Notable success stories include McLaren’s dramatic 2023 resurgence after a difficult start, and their recovery in 2009 alongside Force India’s shock pole position in Belgium. Other legendary turnarounds feature Jordan’s 1998 Belgian Grand Prix 1-2 finish, Ferrari’s late-season surge to challenge McLaren in 1998, and Williams' late-season dominance in 1985 after switching to new engines. Finally, the list celebrates Renault’s transition to the RE30 in 1981, which sparked Alain Prost's early career success, and Williams’ revolutionary 1979 season, where the FW07 car’s introduction completely transformed their performance from struggling backmarkers to dominant race winners.