10 times an F1 driver won starting from the back of the grid, as Verstappen and Hamilton get ready at the back in Brazil
Because of several engine penalties, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen will start 20th and 21st in today’s São Paulo GP in Brazil. With rain expected, the race promises to be exciting, as these two big rivals battle from the back of the grid.
Can they pull off a win and give us a race to remember, like some of the greatest comebacks in F1 history? Let’s look at the top 10.
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10. Oliver Panis – 14th – 1996 Monaco GP
Panis, driving for Ligier, took his only career win at a chaotic Monaco race. While others crashed or dropped out, he stayed focused and finished first. If you’re going to win once, Monaco is a great place!
9. Fernando Alonso – 15th – 2008 Singapore GP
This controversial win involved Renault ordering Alonso’s teammate to crash on purpose to change race strategy. Alonso ended up leading on a track Hard to pass, and even though the team was punished, Alonso kept the victory.
8. Jackie Stewart – 16th – 1973 South African GP
Starting 16th after car problems, Stewart quickly raced to the front and led by lap seven. He stayed in front the whole race to claim another big win in his championship year.
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7. Michael Schumacher – 16th – 1995 Belgian GP
Rarely needing to win from the back, Schumacher showed his skill at Spa, passing many cars and handling rain to take the lead by lap 16. He claimed one of his most memorable wins.
6. John Watson – 17th – 1982 Detroit GP
Watson wasn’t new to winning from the back. After a rough qualifying with tire issues, he found his pace in the race and passed rivals quickly, taking the lead just after halfway and holding on to win.
5. Kimi Raikkonen – 17th – 2005 Japanese GP
In a mixed-up grid due to rain, Raikkonen made the most of his fast but fragile car. Staying reliable at Suzuka, he caught and passed Giancarlo Fisichella with a thrilling last-lap move to win.
4. Max Verstappen – 17th – 2024 São Paulo GP
Verstappen has done really well in Brazil, with three wins here. His 2024 victory stands out when he charged through wet conditions from 17th place. “We stayed calm, made good calls, and avoided trouble,” he said. An amazing win from so far back!
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3. Rubens Barrichello – 18th – 2000 German GP
Barrichello had come close to winning before but finally got his first at Hockenheim. After his teammate crashed early, he slipped through the field and took a big risk by staying on dry tires in the rain, which paid off with a famous win.
2. Kimi Antonelli – 19th – 2026 Italian GP
Antonelli faced engine penalties that pushed him back at Monza, but he didn’t let that stop him. He passed many cars quickly and used strategy to beat teammate George Russell in the final stages. “There was nothing that could stop him today,” said team boss Toto Wolff.
1. John Watson – 22nd – 1984 United States Grand Prix West
Known for his great drives from the back, Watson saved his best for Long Beach. Starting 22nd after a tough qualifying, his tires came alive during the race, letting him and teammate Niki Lauda speed past others. Watson took the lead on lap 45 and held it for a fantastic win.