The Quest for a First Race Win: Formula 1’s Top Three Drivers Without a Victory
Every Formula 1 driver dreams of standing on the top step of the podium, but for some, that dream has yet to become a reality. With a record-breaking 24-race season, the opportunities for a first race win are greater than ever. However, for these three drivers, the elusive victory has remained just out of reach.
1. Lando Norris – 660 Career Points
At just 22 years old, Lando Norris has already made a name for himself in the world of Formula 1. Since his debut in 2019, he has come incredibly close to claiming his first race win, with two second-place finishes under his belt. However, he also holds the record for the most career points without a victory, a record he claimed after the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix.
Despite this, Norris remains determined and has already secured a podium finish in the 2024 season, alongside a Ferrari one-two. With his impressive track record, it’s only a matter of time before he finally takes the top spot.
2. Nico Hulkenberg – 533 Career Points
Nico Hulkenberg may hold the record for the most career starts without a podium finish, but he remains unfazed. The German driver has been in the sport for over a decade and has yet to secure a race win. However, he has shown his skill and potential with one pole position and several close calls.
Despite his lack of silverware, Hulkenberg remains optimistic and is determined to break the record for most race starts without a win, currently held by Andrea de Cesaris. With his experience and talent, it’s only a matter of time before he finally claims that elusive victory.
3. Romain Grosjean – 391 Career Points
Romain Grosjean’s Formula 1 career may have come to an end in 2020, but he remains one of the top drivers without a race win. The Frenchman has ten podium finishes under his belt, with his highest results being second-place finishes at the 2012 Canadian Grand Prix and 2013 United States Grand Prix.
Unfortunately, Grosjean’s career ended in a fiery crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, but his determination and skill on the track will not be forgotten. He may not have claimed a race win, but his podium finishes and impressive track record speak for themselves.
In Conclusion
For these three drivers, the quest for a first race win continues. But as they continue to rack up career points and podium finishes, it’s only a matter of time before they finally claim that elusive victory. Keep an eye on these drivers as they continue to make their mark on the world of Formula 1.
The Top 5 F1 Drivers with the Most Podium Finishes Without a Race Win
As the saying goes, “close but no cigar.” In the world of Formula 1, this phrase rings true for some drivers who have come close to winning a race but have yet to taste victory. These drivers have stood on the podium numerous times, but have never been able to claim the top spot. In this article, Kosport Magazine takes a look at the top 5 F1 drivers with the most podium finishes without a race win.
1. Romain Grosjean – 10 Podium Finishes
After ten seasons in F1, Romain Grosjean’s contract with Haas was not renewed at the end of 2020. The following year, he moved to IndyCar, but has still not been able to claim a win in the last four seasons. Despite this, Grosjean has stood on the podium 10 times in his career, making him the driver with the most podium finishes without a race win.
His most memorable podium finish came in his rookie season in 2012, where he finished 2nd at the Canadian Grand Prix. Grosjean has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but has also been involved in several controversial incidents on track. Nevertheless, his podium finishes prove that he has the talent to compete at the highest level.
2. Lance Stroll – 3 Podium Finishes
At just 22 years old, Lance Stroll has already made a name for himself in the world of F1. He made his debut in 2017 for Williams and achieved a podium finish in his rookie season. However, he has yet to claim a race win in his career.
Stroll has faced criticism for being a “pay driver,” with his father owning the Racing Point (now Aston Martin) team. But despite this, he has shown his potential on track and has secured a secure seat in F1 for the foreseeable future. Stroll’s closest chance at a race win came in the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, where he qualified on pole but ultimately finished 9th due to damage to his front wing.
3. Nick Heidfeld – 13 Podium Finishes
Nick Heidfeld held the record for the most podium finishes without a race win until Lando Norris beat it in 2024. The German driver competed in F1 for 12 years and achieved 13 podium finishes, including eight 2nd place finishes and five 3rd place finishes.
Heidfeld’s closest chance at a race win came in the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix, where he finished 2nd behind his BMW Sauber teammate Robert Kubica. Heidfeld’s career in F1 ended in 2011 when he was dropped by Lotus Renault due to poor performance.
4. Alex Albon – 2 Podium Finishes
Although Alex Albon is currently competing in Formula E, he made a name for himself in F1 with Red Bull Racing. In his two seasons with the team, he achieved two podium finishes, both in 2020.
Albon’s closest chance at a race win came in the 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix, where he finished 3rd behind Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Despite his podium finishes, Albon was replaced by Sergio Perez for the 2021 season.
5. Sergio Perez – 12 Podium Finishes
Speaking of Sergio Perez, the Mexican driver has also yet to claim a race win in his career. However, he has achieved 12 podium finishes, including two in the 2020 season with Racing Point.
Perez’s closest chance at a race win came in the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix, where he finished 2nd behind Hamilton. He will be looking to add a race win to his impressive podium finishes as he continues to compete in F1 with Red Bull Racing.
Summary
These five drivers have proven their talent and skill on the track, but have yet to claim a race win in their careers. Whether it’s due to bad luck, controversial incidents, or simply being outperformed by their teammates, these drivers have come close to victory but have yet to taste it. Only time will tell if they will be able to break their streak and finally claim a race win in the future.
The Rise and Fall of F1’s Most Underrated Drivers
Welcome to Kosport Magazine, where we bring you the latest news and updates from the world of sports. Today, we take a look at some of the most underrated drivers in Formula 1 history. These drivers may not have won championships or broken records, but their talent and skill on the track have left a lasting impression on fans and fellow drivers alike.
Alex Albon – The Rising Star
With 228 career points and two podium finishes, Alex Albon has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the track. Starting his career at Toro Rosso in 2019, Albon was quickly promoted to the Red Bull team, where he impressed with his driving skills. However, after a year out, he was signed to Williams for the 2022 season and has continued to impress with his performance.
As his contract expires at the end of 2024, Albon is set to be one of the most sought-after drivers in the upcoming years. Keep an eye on this rising star as he continues to make his mark in the world of Formula 1.
Daniil Kvyat – The Unlucky One
Daniil Kvyat’s career in Formula 1 has been a rollercoaster ride. With 202 career points and three podium finishes, Kvyat has proven his talent on the track. However, his time in the sport has been plagued with unfortunate events, including being demoted from Red Bull to Toro Rosso in 2016.
Despite these setbacks, Kvyat has continued to impress with his driving skills and has even taken a podium finish at the 2019 German Grand Prix. Although he may not have a full-time seat in F1 currently, his talent and determination make him a valuable asset to any team.
Kevin Magnussen – The Frustrated One
With 187 career points and one podium finish, Kevin Magnussen’s career in Formula 1 has been a mix of highs and lows. After being demoted from McLaren to their reserve driver in 2014, Magnussen made a return to the sport with Renault in 2016. However, he has yet to take another podium finish since his debut race in 2014.
Despite this frustration, Magnussen’s talent and skill on the track cannot be denied. He continues to push for a podium finish and we have no doubt that he will achieve it in the near future.
Kamui Kobayashi – The Overtaking Master
Kamui Kobayashi may have only spent four full seasons in Formula 1, but he left a lasting impression on fans and fellow drivers. With 125 career points and one podium finish, Kobayashi’s talent for overtaking and late-braking made him a fan favorite.
His performance at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix, where he held off Jenson Button for several laps, was praised by fellow drivers and commentators. Although he may not have had a long career in F1, Kobayashi’s impact on the sport will never be forgotten.
In Conclusion
These drivers may not have won championships or broken records, but their talent and skill on the track have left a lasting impression on the world of Formula 1. As we continue to witness the rise and fall of drivers in the sport, let us not forget the underrated ones who have made their mark in their own unique way.
Kamui Kobayashi: The Japanese Driver Who Made History in F1
When it comes to Formula 1, there are certain names that immediately come to mind – Schumacher, Hamilton, Senna. But there are also those drivers who may not have achieved the same level of success, but have still made a significant impact on the sport. One such driver is Kamui Kobayashi, who made history in 2012 by becoming the third Japanese driver to take an F1 podium.
Kobayashi’s journey to the podium was not an easy one. He started his F1 career in 2009 with Toyota, but it wasn’t until he joined Sauber in 2010 that he really made a name for himself. In his first full season, he scored points in five races and finished the season in 12th place. But it was in 2012 that he truly made his mark.
At the Japanese Grand Prix, Kobayashi put on a stunning performance, fighting off Jenson Button to take third place. This made him the first Japanese driver to finish on his home podium in 22 years, after Aguri Suzuki’s 1990 podium. It was a moment of pride for not only Kobayashi, but for the entire country of Japan.
But Kobayashi’s success didn’t end there. He went on to become a successful endurance racer, taking two victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2019 and 2020, and most recently winning the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Adrian Sutil: A Career Defined by Controversy
While some drivers are remembered for their on-track achievements, others are remembered for their off-track controversies. Adrian Sutil falls into the latter category. The German driver’s career began in 2007 with Spyker, and he remained with the team through its rebrand to Force India in 2008.
Sutil’s highest result in F1 was 4th place at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix, but his career was overshadowed by a criminal conviction in 2012. He was charged with assaulting Lotus owner Eric Lux with a champagne glass in a Shanghai nightclub following the 2011 Chinese Grand Prix. Sutil was handed a suspended prison sentence and a hefty fine, and was subsequently released by Force India.
Despite this setback, Sutil returned to F1 in 2013 with Force India, before moving to Sauber in 2014. However, due to poor performance, he was dropped by the team the following year. He then joined Williams as a reserve driver in 2015, but never made a return to the grid.
The Drivers with the Most Race Starts Without a Win
While career points are often used to measure a driver’s success in F1, the number of race starts can also be an indicator of a driver’s time and experience in the sport. Here are the top 10 drivers with the most race starts without a win:
| Driver | Race Starts | Years Active | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrea de Cesaris | 208 | 14 (1980 – 1994) | Alfa Romeo, McLaren, Ligier, Minardi, Brabham, Rial, Dallara, Jordan, Tyrrell & Sauber |
| Nico Hulkenberg | 206 | 13 (2010, 2012-2020 & 2022-2024) | Williams, Force India, Sauber, Renault, Racing Point, Aston Martin & Haas |
| Nick Heidfeld | 183 | 12 (2000-2011) | Prost, Sauber, Jordan, Williams, Sauber & Renault |
| Romain Grosjean | 179 | 10 (2009, 2012-2020) | Renault, Lotus & Haas |
| Kevin Magnussen | 166 | 10 (2014-2020, 2022-2024) | McLaren, Renault & Haas |
| Martin Brundle | 158 | 12 (1984-1989 & 1991-1996) | Tyrrell, Zakspeed, Williams, Brabham, Benetton, Ligier, McLaren & Jordan |
| Derek Warwick | 147 | 11 (1981-1990 & 1993) | Toleman, Renault, Brabham, Arrows, Lotus & Footwork |
| Lance Stroll | 146 | 8 (2017-2024) | Williams, Racing Point & Aston Martin |
| Jean-Pierre Jarier | 135 | 12 (1971 & 1973-1983) | March, Shadow, Ligier, ATS, Lotus, Tyrrell & Osella |
| Eddie Cheever | 132 | 11 (1978 & 1980-1989) | Theodore, Hesketh, Osella, Tyrrell, Ligier, Alfa Romeo, Haas & Arrows |
In Conclusion
While winning races and championships may be the ultimate goal for F1 drivers, there are many other ways to leave a mark on the sport. Whether it’s making history for your country, overcoming personal challenges, or simply racking up race starts, these drivers have all made their mark on the world of Formula 1.
