Let’s face it, most F1 fans are drawn to the front of the pack, where the real action happens. We watch for the battle for the win, for the jaw-dropping moments at the top of the leaderboard. That’s the magic of Formula 1, right? But, if you’ve ever found yourself rooting for the underdogs, cheering on the teams who seem to be struggling, you’re not alone.
While these teams may never have bagged a championship or even scored a single point in F1 history, they’ve won something even more important: our hearts. There’s something endearing about a team that keeps on fighting, even when the odds are against them. Whether it’s their tireless effort, their charismatic drivers, or even just the boldness of their liveries, these backmarkers will always have a special place in our motorsport-loving hearts.
Let’s take a look at eight of our all-time favourite F1 underachievers—teams who, despite all their struggles, became cult heroes to many of us.
| Rank | Team Name | Notable Drivers | Best Result | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Marussia | Jules Bianchi | 9th (2014 Monaco GP) | Bianchi’s incredible 9th place finish at Monaco. |
| 7 | Zakspeed | Martin Brundle, Christian Danner | 5th (1987 San Marino GP) | Brundle’s 5th place finish, the team’s only points. |
| 6 | Toleman | Ayrton Senna | 2nd (1984 Monaco GP) | Senna’s near-win in Monaco, marking his breakout. |
| 5 | Forti | Pedro Diniz, Roberto Moreno | 10th (1995 Brazil GP) | Forti’s bright yellow livery and plucky underdog spirit. |
| 4 | Arrows | Damon Hill, Ricardo Patrese | 2nd (1997 Hungarian GP) | Hill’s heartbreak at the 1997 Hungarian GP. |
| 3 | Williams | Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill | 1st (Multiple wins) | The once-glorious Williams, now struggling at the back. |
| 2 | Super Aguri | Takuma Sato, Anthony Davidson | 7th (2007 Spanish GP) | Sato’s historic first points finish for Super Aguri. |
| 1 | Minardi | Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber | 5th (2002 Australian GP) | Minardi’s iconic yellow livery and consistent fighting spirit. |
8. Marussia – A Tragic Tale with a Touch of Hope
Marussia (which later became Manor) will always be linked with one of F1’s most tragic moments: the career-ending crash of Jules Bianchi. This team wasn’t successful in terms of results, but Bianchi’s drive and undeniable talent in an uncompetitive car brought them a dedicated fanbase. Their best-ever finish came in 2014, when Bianchi managed to snag a point in Monaco—a stunning achievement considering the team’s usual struggles.
7. Zakspeed – F1’s Ambitious Yet Unlucky Effort
Zakspeed’s story was one of bold ambition. This team came into F1 after impressive success in touring cars, with a unique chassis and engine they built themselves—a rarity in F1. However, they never really found their footing. Their best result came in 1987 when Martin Brundle secured 5th place at the San Marino GP, which would be their only points finish in F1. Zakspeed’s downfall was inevitable due to the rapid advancements of the sport in the late ‘80s.
6. Toleman – The Birthplace of a Legend
Toleman, although not successful in terms of points or podiums, is remembered for one incredible reason: it was where Ayrton Senna made his F1 debut. In 1984, Senna made waves by almost winning the Monaco GP in a Toleman, signaling the beginning of a legendary career. The team itself was already on the decline by the time Senna made his mark, but they were crucial in giving F1 one of its greatest drivers.
5. Forti – The Yellow Underperformers
I have a soft spot for Forti, mostly due to their vibrant yellow livery. Though the team made a splash in the 1995 season, their performance was, well, less than stellar. They were often the last to finish, but there was something genuinely lovable about them. Despite all the odds, they kept going until financial struggles forced them to withdraw in 1996. Still, I’ll always remember that yellow.
4. Arrows – Heartbreak on the Horizon
Arrows is a team with a rich history and some great moments, but their ultimate fate was a sad one. Despite their long run in F1, they were never able to consistently compete at the front. Their finest hour came in 1997, when Damon Hill was leading the Hungarian Grand Prix only to see his car fail due to a hydraulic issue. Hill finished second, but the pain of what could’ve been will stay with me forever. Arrows, however, will always be remembered for their resilience.
3. Williams – A Shadow of Its Former Glory
Williams was once a giant in Formula 1, with multiple World Championships and some of the best drivers of all time in their ranks. However, the team has struggled since 2018, with a performance collapse that left them stuck at the back of the grid. While they’re slowly rebuilding under new ownership, it’s hard not to look at Williams with a sense of nostalgia for the glory days of Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, and Damon Hill.
2. Super Aguri – The Japanese Dream That Didn’t Last
Super Aguri was one of those teams you couldn’t help but root for. Founded by Aguri Suzuki, the team didn’t exactly light up the track, but their spirited efforts and passionate following made them a fan favorite. They scored their first points in 2007 when Takuma Sato finished 8th at the Spanish GP, and the whole paddock celebrated with them. Unfortunately, financial issues ended their time in F1 too soon, but Super Aguri will always be remembered for their energy and heart.
1. Minardi – The Ultimate F1 Underdog
Minardi was the epitome of an F1 backmarker. A team that never seemed to get the results, but always kept fighting. Their cars were often slow, and reliability was a constant issue, but there was something uniquely captivating about them. Their best moments came in the form of driver debuts for Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. Alonso even scored points on his debut with Minardi in 2001, and Webber followed with a points finish in 2002. Minardi’s unwavering spirit made them the heart and soul of F1’s underdogs.