A Grand History. Over the years, there have been some genuinely spectacular Formula 1 moments that have made the sport what it is today, drivers the heroes whose legacies we remember, immortalised by their genius on track.
These moments have defied the odds at the best online sportsbook and have rewritten history. Here are our top ten choices.
1. Fangio – Germany Grand Prix in 1957
The most extraordinary drive of all time by the man widely regarded as the most excellent F1 driver of all time, on arguably the most challenging circuit of all. Fangio was battling the Lancia-Ferrari D50s of Mike Hawthorn and Peter Collins in the immortal Maserati 250F.
Nello Ugolini, team manager, proposed using less fuel and softer tires, a lighter car better suited to the abrasive surface of the Nürburgring, and only making one pit stop.
Fangio was in first place when his pit stop on lap 12 went wrong, dropping him to third place, more than 30 seconds behind. What followed was a drive with superhuman qualities.
2. Senna – Monaco Grand Prix in 1988
Ayrton Senna holds the record with six Monaco F1 victories, including five straight from 1989 to 1993. From ten starts, he finished on the podium eight times. Senna’s championship victory in 1987 marked the first time an F1 car won a Grand Prix with active suspension.
Senna made his Monaco debut in 1984 when most fans had no idea who he was. However, by 1988, Ayrton Senna had established himself as one of the greatest names in Formula 1. His spectacular pole-position lap at the 1988 Monaco Grand Prix has gone down in F1 history.
3. Lauda – German Grand Prix in 1976
Niki Lauda was burned alive, which is everyone’s worst nightmare. Following a horrific accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix, he was trapped in his burning car. However, he would not have survived if it hadn’t been for the incredible bravery of fellow drivers Arturo Merzario, Guy Edwards, Harald Ertl, and Brett Lunger, who was also involved in the crash.
Lauda was dragged from the car, and, despite being severely burned and inhaling hot gases that damaged his lungs, he could walk around at the side of the track. He later fell into a coma but miraculously recovered and was cleared to race again only six weeks later.
4. Massa – Brazilian Grand Prix in 2008
As he crossed the finish line to win the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, Felipe Massa believed he had won the F1 world championship. He had done everything he could. However, Hamilton snatched the title after passing Timo Glock’s slow Toyota at the last moment. That’s about as dramatic as it gets.
5. Schumacher – Australian Grand Prix in 1994
Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher were separated by one point heading into the 1994 F1 season’s final round. The Formula One season title was decided in the last race for the first time in eight years. Schumacher lost control of his Benetton while leading on lap 36, crashing into the wall.
Hill came up from behind in second place, believing that this was his only chance to pass the slowing German and failing to notice that Schumacher’s car had been damaged. What happened next is recorded in history: Schumacher turned in, and the vehicles from Williams and Benetton collided.
6. Coulthard – Belgian Grand Prix in 1998
The chaos and carnage of the Belgian Grand Prix will be remembered forever. The race was held in heavy rain, and on the first lap, British driver David Coulthard lost control of his McLaren car, causing a mass collision that injured 13 other racers. After a one-hour delay to ensure the tracks were cleared, another incident occurred during the second attempt, effectively ending the race.
7. Verstappen – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021
While the 2021 F1 season has sparked a heated debate about the finale feeling too much like a Hollywood script, the rivalry between 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and young up-and-comer Max Verstappen was action-packed until the very last lap.
When a late crash brought out the safety car, Hamilton kept his lead while Verstappen pitted, putting several lapped cars between them. However, in a last-minute reversal, lapped cars were allowed past the safety car, bringing the leaders back to square one with one final green flag lap to race.
Verstappen passed Hamilton on newer tires, and while Hamilton fought until the very last corner, Verstappen would win his first championship title.
8. Button – Canadian Grand Prix in 2011
McLaren’s Jenson Button would be the last driver to reach the halfway point of the Grand Prix after two crashes, a puncture, and a stop/go penalty. Many would have predicted that he wouldn’t score any points, let alone win, but he would put in a comeback drive that would silence everyone.
9. Senna – Monaco Grand Prix in 1984
This race cemented Senna’s reputation. Senna dragged his Toleman by the scruff of its neck around a rain-soaked Monaco, storming from 13th on the grid to second overall five races into his Formula One debut season.
It was even more impressive given that his car was only a midfielder at best, but Senna’s performance in the wet demonstrated his genius, impressing critics and wowing fans.
10. Schumacher – Belgian Grand Prix in 1995
Schumacher qualified in 16th place after a shunt in qualifying. After that, the legend climbed through the field, but when the weather in Spa began to change, Schumacher stayed out on slicks and held off Damon Hill, who had pitted for wet tires.
Hill eventually passed, but Schumacher took the win when the track dried out after the rain.