Motorsports are brutal – physically, emotionally and mentally. There are many risks involved with any type of motorsport, whether it is F1 or MXGP, people have gotten seriously hurt or worse.
However, out of those who have gotten seriously injured, only a few have dared to make a return. They not only come back healed, but they also come back stronger.
These are the comeback kings.
Niki Lauda, 1976
This is perhaps the most iconic return in F1 history; his crash was massively broadcasted around the world as he was engulfed in flames and suffered burns all over his body. He was immediately hospitalised.
After being stuck in the hospital for 6 weeks, Lauda made his amazing return to the track. With bandages under his helmet, he pushed through in the Italian Grand Prix and secured a 4th place finish overall.
Simply iconic.
Robert Kubica, 2019 & 2025
Kubica was an F1 driver at first. However, after a Rally crash, he nearly had to have his arm amputated. Eight years after his accident, he made a return to the F1 scene with a severed right hand as well as limited movement. Although it wasn’t a fairy tale ending for him, his return was a victory that stood alone.
In 2025, he returned to motorsport. The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans competition saw Kubica competing. This shows his determination and skill- as he successfully won the race alongside his teammates.
Marc Marquez, 2021
After a 2020 crash, Marquez shattered his arm. This put a stop to his career momentum and many wrote him off. Despite the masses against him, he returned to the grid.
He was still fighting, still aggressive, and still hunting for a podium. To this day, Marquez is succeeding and getting P1 after P1.
Romain Grosjean, 2021
Like Kubica, Grosjean was an F1 driver at first. He, too, suffered a massive crash in Bahrain 2020 where his car went up in flames. Whilst sat in that car, only his children and wife were in his mind – and so he scrambled to get out. He is the man who walked out of fire.
He then left F1 for IndyCar and found joy for the sport once again. From pole positions as well as standing ovations, he has a new legacy outside of the tragedy.
Valentino Rossi, 2010
In Mugello the MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi broke his leg. Mere weeks later he returned to Sachsenring where he shocked and impressed many fans.
He secured a podium position and solidified his title as a legendary rider.
To this day, he is still one of the greats in motorsport.
Jeffrey Herlings, 2025
After an injury, Herlings didn’t take part in the start of the 2025 MXGP season. He has had a long list of injuries in his years of racing; today, he is “the best” rider in the sport.
He shocked everyone when his return came around, not only because of his presence itself, but due to his spectacular performance – considering his injury. He is currently climbing the overall ranks in the MXGP
championship.
Overall, comebacks aren’t just about winning. Sometimes, showing back up is what counts. In motorsport, that alone can be a massive triumph.
What do you think? Did we miss any comebacks?
Let us know what you think!