Looking back at all the historic 'classic' race highlights on Youtube reminded me of some of the midfield drivers who I forgot about - the Gaston Mazzacanes of the world. Got me thinking about all these drivers who came and went without a win, some better than others.
According to Wikipedia, 108 drivers of the 774 who started a race, actually won a race. Which means 86% of drivers never reach the top step - amazing stat.
Who was the best of them though? Current drivers not included.
I'm going to go with Nick Heidfeld. 13 career podiums. Held his own against Mark Webber at Williams in 2005 (ahead on points until he got injured with five races to go), who himself won 9 races when he got a serious car at Red Bull. Finished 22 points ahead of his more illustrious teammate Robert Kubica at BMW in 2006. F3000 champion in 1999. Maybe lacked that killer instinct to turn one of those podiums into a win but very polished driver nonetheless.
Honourable mentions:
Kamui Kobayashi - Probably the best Japanese driver in F1, he showed flashes of brilliance in his F1 career, including qualifying 2nd at Spa in 2012 (in a Sauber) and a great podium in Suzuka that year. A daring overtaker, up and down would be an understatement to describe his career but on his day he was brilliant and would have been definitely good enough to win in a good car like a Red Bull or Ferrari. His sensational qualifying lap record at Le Mans is something to behold and displays the talent he has.
Stefan Johansson: F1 in the '80s is before my time but I do love reading about its history and this guy drove for Ferrari and McLaren but never won. He was mugged at Imola '85 when he ran out of fuel in the lead with two laps to go so you could put him top of the list. But, his teammates (Alboreto and Prost) won five races between them while he couldn't win one which leaves question marks as to how he didn't win in front running cars.
I'm sure some will mention Hulkenburg and you could make a good case considering his good head to head form against teammates Ricciardo and Sainz. But never even a podium in 11 seasons? A good driver would have found a way to win in his cars.
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According to Wikipedia, 108 drivers of the 774 who started a race, actually won a race. Which means 86% of drivers never reach the top step - amazing stat.
Who was the best of them though? Current drivers not included.
I'm going to go with Nick Heidfeld. 13 career podiums. Held his own against Mark Webber at Williams in 2005 (ahead on points until he got injured with five races to go), who himself won 9 races when he got a serious car at Red Bull. Finished 22 points ahead of his more illustrious teammate Robert Kubica at BMW in 2006. F3000 champion in 1999. Maybe lacked that killer instinct to turn one of those podiums into a win but very polished driver nonetheless.
Honourable mentions:
Kamui Kobayashi - Probably the best Japanese driver in F1, he showed flashes of brilliance in his F1 career, including qualifying 2nd at Spa in 2012 (in a Sauber) and a great podium in Suzuka that year. A daring overtaker, up and down would be an understatement to describe his career but on his day he was brilliant and would have been definitely good enough to win in a good car like a Red Bull or Ferrari. His sensational qualifying lap record at Le Mans is something to behold and displays the talent he has.
Stefan Johansson: F1 in the '80s is before my time but I do love reading about its history and this guy drove for Ferrari and McLaren but never won. He was mugged at Imola '85 when he ran out of fuel in the lead with two laps to go so you could put him top of the list. But, his teammates (Alboreto and Prost) won five races between them while he couldn't win one which leaves question marks as to how he didn't win in front running cars.
I'm sure some will mention Hulkenburg and you could make a good case considering his good head to head form against teammates Ricciardo and Sainz. But never even a podium in 11 seasons? A good driver would have found a way to win in his cars.
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