Video
WATCH: From Norris's wet weather heartbreak to Winkelhock's one chance – 13 times an underdog nearly won a Formula 1 race
Share
Most of the time, the best drivers in the best cars will be the ones fighting for victory in Formula 1. But there are rare occurrences when an underdog punches above their weight to compete at the top of the field, only to heartbreakingly fall short. We’ve gone through the archives and found some of those moments where racers came so close - but so far.
There are some moments where the underdog has missed out after suffering the narrowest of losses, such as Giancarlo Fisichella, in the Force India, being narrowly edged out by Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen at Spa in 2009. There's also Jean Alesi, in his Tyrrell, losing out in a tight battle to the McLaren of Ayrton Senna at the United States GP in 1990.
Also featuring in this list are the likes of Damon Hill and Ivan Capelli, with both drivers having famously lost out on unlikely victories due to mechanical issues. While they still finished their respective races, they were overtaken for the lead in the dying stages.
We also see the times that a wet track cost a driver victory. Who could forget Lando Norris and McLaren’s decision not to pit for the wet tyres that not only cost them the win, but also a place on the podium?
Similar to Norris, Senna and his Toleman team also lost out on a maiden victory in F1 due to wet weather, when the 1984 Monaco GP was stopped due to the conditions being too dangerous while the Brazilian was in second place.
For all of these moments, and much more, click on the video player above to relive the 13 times an underdog nearly made it to the top step of the podium.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Feature EXPLAINED: Everything you need to know about the 2025 season launch event at London’s The O2
Podcast F1 NATION: Gabriel Bortoleto on his ‘dream’ F1 chance with Kick Sauber, guidance from Alonso and flying the flag for Brazil
Podcast BEYOND THE GRID LEGENDS: Rubens Barrichello on following Senna, racing against Schumacher and his advice for Bortoleto
News Formula 1 to race in Monaco until 2031 after new deal agreed