Complete calendar with 18 races
The 2006 Formula 1 season delivered a thrilling championship battle between defending champion Fernando Alonso and a resurgent Michael Schumacher, while also marking the emotional end of an era as the seven-time World Champion announced his retirement from the sport. Alonso ultimately prevailed to claim his second consecutive title for Renault, but the campaign was defined by fierce competition, dramatic races, and Schumacher's poignant farewell that reminded the world why he remained one of racing's immortals.
Alonso's championship defense proved far more challenging than his dominant 2005 campaign. He won seven races including crucial victories at Bahrain, Australia, Spain, Monaco, Britain, and Japan, but faced relentless pressure from Schumacher throughout the season. The Spaniard's consistency and mental strength proved decisive - he finished on the podium fourteen times and rarely made mistakes even under intense pressure. The Renault R26, while not as dominant as the previous year's car, remained competitive and reliable, with its mass damper system providing a crucial advantage before being banned mid-season following a Ferrari protest.
Schumacher produced one of his finest seasons in a career filled with excellence, winning seven races including masterful victories at Malaysia, Imola, the Nürburgring, France, Hockenheim, Monza, and China. At 37 years old, he demonstrated that his skills remained razor-sharp, engaging in wheel-to-wheel battles with Alonso that showcased both drivers at their peak. His championship challenge ended devastatingly at Suzuka when his Ferrari's engine expired while leading, handing Alonso the title with two races remaining. Schumacher's announcement of retirement at Monza sparked emotional tributes, and his final races were tinged with sentiment as the sport prepared to bid farewell to its greatest champion.
The season's most controversial moment came at Monaco qualifying when Schumacher parked his car at Rascasse corner, bringing out yellow flags that prevented Alonso from improving his lap time and securing him pole position. Stewards deemed the incident deliberate and relegated Schumacher to the back of the grid, sparking furious debate about sportsmanship. Alonso went on to win the race in vindication, while the controversy added needle to their championship battle.
Ferrari's resurgence after two difficult years was led by Felipe Massa, who replaced Rubens Barrichello and immediately demonstrated his speed with two victories in Turkey and Brazil. The Brazilian proved to be the perfect partner for Schumacher, pushing hard without creating internal conflict and scoring crucial constructor points. Ferrari finished second in the constructors' championship behind Renault, showing that their recovery from the Bridgestone tire difficulties was complete.
McLaren-Mercedes struggled throughout the season despite having two supremely talented drivers in Kimi Räikkönen and Juan Pablo Montoya. Räikkönen won only at Spain and Monaco, while reliability issues and an uncompetitive MP4-21 frustrated both drivers. Montoya left mid-season to pursue NASCAR, replaced by test driver Pedro de la Rosa. The team's difficult year led to significant changes for 2007, including the arrival of Fernando Alonso and rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton.
Jenson Button and Honda endured a nightmare season, failing to score a single point all year despite having won at Hungary the previous season. The RA106 proved hopelessly uncompetitive, and Button's public frustration highlighted Honda's technical failures. Williams-BMW showed occasional flashes of speed with Nico Rosberg impressing in his rookie season, while Mark Webber struggled with reliability. BMW Sauber emerged as a growing force with Robert Kubica and Jacques Villeneuve, while Super Aguri's entry as Honda's satellite team added intrigue.
The season witnessed significant regulation changes including the introduction of V8 engines (replacing V10s) and revised aerodynamic rules aimed at improving overtaking. The new engine formula initially benefited Ferrari and their Bridgestone tires, contributing to their competitive revival. The mass damper controversy mid-season, when the FIA banned the suspension system that Renault had pioneered, temporarily disrupted the championship battle but Alonso maintained his composure.
Alonso clinched his second title at Brazil with a second-place finish behind Massa, the 13-point margin representing his mental strength under pressure against perhaps the greatest driver in F1 history. For Schumacher, his final race at Brazil saw him finish fourth after a puncture, a muted end to the most successful career in Formula 1. His retirement left a void at the top of the sport, though few suspected he would return for a three-year stint with Mercedes from 2010-2012. The 2006 season marked a transition point in F1 history - the old guard departing while a new generation including Alonso, Räikkönen, and the incoming Hamilton prepared to write the next chapter.