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To win in F1 is never easy, but for some drivers, standing on the top step of the podium is more than a goal, it is a lifetime of perservance, patience and surviving near-misses.
Every lap, every call, every inch is important in F1, for these drivers victory was a ghost that haunted them for years before finally coming.
Mika Häkkinen – 96 Races
A name that you did not expect for sure, the two time world champion Mika Hakkinen first win came after seven seasons in F1, watching rivals celebrate, while his Mclaren car struggled to match the pace. But at Jerez in 1997, fortune finally turned, chaos on track with Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve colliding, opened the door for Mika, that win was more than a race, it was a release from years of ‘almost there’.
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Lando Norris – 110 Races
For the British driver the breakthrough came after 110 races, the pain of near-misses like the Russian GP in 2021, when rain poured in the final laps, Lando did not pit for the wet tires, Lando lost the lead with 2 laps to go. However, when Miami 2024 unfolded with a perfect combination of strategy, a timely safety car and flawless execution, Lando Norris finally crossed the line first.
Giancarlo Fisichella – 110 Races
Another known name in F1, his pole position lap came much earlier in 1998 at the Austrian GP, but victory much later and it came with drama, Brazil 2003 was chaotic, torrential rain, spinning car, including Michael Schumacher, the big crash of Alonso and Mark Webber, Fisichella crossed the line first, celebrated the win, but was stripped of it due to a timing error which initially gave the victory to Kimi Raikkonen. But FIA corrected the mistake, Fisichella received his trophy the next race weekend at Imola in 2003.
Nico Rosberg – 111 Races
Champion who retired, his first win came in Shanghai in 2012, he was often overshadowed as Michael Schumacher teammate, Rosberg had to fight every step of the way to prove himself, leading from pole to the chequered flag, he claimed his first victory and finally stepped out of the shadows, showing the world that his talent was undeniable, and he showed later at Mercedes where he fought constantly with Lewis Hamilton for the title until 2016, when he won his first title and retired at the end of the season.
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Jenson Button – 113 Races
Some of us remember the commentator, who said at the end of the race, ‘THEY SAID HE WOULD NEVER WIN A GP’ but he did! Starting 14th on the grid, he faced a heavy rain that turned the track into a chaotic river at Budapest 2006 race. Where others faltered, like Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher, Jenson on the other hand thrived, each lap he demanded focus, by the end he had claimed his first win, showing his potential and he became champion later in 2009 driving for Brawn GP.
Jarno Trulli – 117 Races
Jarno Trulli’s first win came at Monaco GP in 2004, he held off Fernando Alonso chase for 78 laps, also the crash between Schumacher and Montoya opened the door for the Italian, crossing the line, relief and adrenaline mixed, 117 races of waiting distilled into a single and unforgettable moment.
Rubens Barrichello – 123 Races
Rubens Barrichello’s first triumph came at Hockenheim 2000, starting from 18th, in his first year at Ferrari, he battled rain, chaos and doubt, inch by inch, he carved his way through the field. Nine years of persistence he finally been awarded.
Mark Webber – 130 Races
Mark Webber who started competing at Minardi much earlier, his first chance came at the Japanese GP in 2008 he crashed into barriers and he was second behind Alonso, and his first win came in Germany in 2009, a masterful pit strategy and perfect execution allowed him to dominate the race, victory was not just about crossing the line first, it was a vindication, a response to everyone who doubted him.
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Carlos Sainz Jr. – 150 Races
Carlos Sainz Jr. journey to his first win in F1 took 150 races, Silverstone 2022 was his stage, with Verstappen out of the picture and Ferrari’s reliability finally shinning through, for 52 laps Sainz carried the weight of history, expectation and personal ambition, crossing the line first, his victory felt like the culmination of a decade of resilience. He was close to win the race driving for McLaren at Monza in 2020, but he was unable to overtake Gasly.
Sergio Pérez – 190 Races
A name that has been around us for more than a decade, his first chance was at Malaysia 2012, Perez was at Sauber and was very close to win the race, but a spin cost him a lot and couldn’t catch up Fernando Alonso for the win. After 190 races, multiple setback, his breakthrough came at Sakhir 2020, early collisions and setbacks pushed him to the brink, but Perez carved his way through the field, when he finally took the checkered flag, it was more than a win, it was a statement’ persistence conquers all!
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Why These Wins Matter
First wins in F1 are never just about speed, it needs something more than that, but success will arrive. For these drivers every disappointment, every lost opportunity, every near miss strenthened their resolve, these triumphs remind us that in motorsport as in life, patience and persistence are as essential as talent and speed.
