It is often a long, arduous journey to a Formula 1 victory, and lots of triumphs remain distant in the memories of many drivers before they finally reach the top step. One of the latest entrants into this exclusive list is Lando Norris, who scored his first win in Miami after 109 starts. Here are some other long wait times for a first F1 victory.
10. Mika Häkkinen – 96 Races
Known as “The Flying Finn,” Mika Häkkinen passed the seven-year mark before winning for the first time, taking the 1997 European Grand Prix in a season bereft of luck and under the most chaotic of circumstances, where Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve collided, thereby securing a place in history.
9. Lando Norris – 110 Races
Having almost won in Russia in 2021, Norris achieved redemption in 2024. The Miami GP saw him perfectly time a pit under Safety Car conditions and, thereafter, lead and control the race for his maiden win.
8. Giancarlo Fisichella – 110 Races
Fisichella’s first win was at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix, and it was dramatic. The Italians denied him victory, but then a timing error days later gave him a bittersweet title.
7. Nico Rosberg – 111 Races
From there to his first victory at the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix driving dominantly, Rosberg got his first taste of winning.
6. Jenson Button – 113 races
Flooded rain on the track in Budapest was the backdrop of Button’s first victory: 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he started 14th because of a grid penalty but managed to steer through this heavy rain to the win by making it through the terrain.
5. Jarno Trulli – 117 Races
Trulli’s only F1 victory was a masterclass in pressure defense during the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix. Leading from pole position, he managed to hold up fierce competitors to win on what is arguably the sport’s most famous circuit.
4. Rubens Barrichello – 123 races
This was Barrichello’s first win in Formula One, coming at the 2000 German GP. Starting in position 18, he got rained on in the last few laps of the race, and clawed his way through the pack to put on a ride of a lifetime for Ferrari.
3. Mark Webber – 130 races
The Australian scored his first Grand Prix victory at the 2009 German Grand Prix after a spectacular drive. He made an early visit to the pits for referral but used that experience to stage a comeback and domination of the field, thus establishing Red Bull’s supremacy as a clear and major force in late racing.
2. Carlos Sainz Jr. – 150 races
Sainz’s maiden victory came during the British GP in 2022. After a fiery pole position run, Sainz withstood another bout of trouble and ultimately turned the fortunes in his favor when Verstappen encountered some issues with his car, converting it all into a historic maiden victory for Ferrari.
1. Sergio Pérez – 190 races
Pérez has broken the record for the longest wait, winning finally at the 2020 edition of the Sakhir Grand Prix. The man underwent an early collision that placed him at the back but authored an incredible recovery drive that highlighted his tenacity and skill.
