10 F1 Records That Drivers Would Love to Forget

10. Lance Stroll – Most DNFs by a Factory Driver

Since debuting in 2017, Stroll’s had more DNFs than any other current factory driver. Crashes, reliability issues, and overdriving have kept him from showing his full potential.

9. George Russell – Most Teammate Collisions Among Current Drivers

Fast? Absolutely. Lucky? Not so much. Russell’s been involved in more contact incidents with teammates than any other current driver — from Bottas at Imola to tangles with Hamilton. Brilliant on his day, but sometimes a little too eager to prove it.

8. Sebastian Vettel – Most Penalty Points for a World Champion

Aggressive moves and heated moments earned Vettel the most FIA penalty points of any F1 champion. A legend, yes — but his temper sometimes raced faster than his car.

7. Charles Leclerc – Most DNFs While Leading

Leclerc’s speed is world-class, but his luck is pure heartbreak. From Monaco to France, engine failures and strategy blunders have turned sure wins into DNFs.

6. Kimi Räikkönen – Longest Gap Between Wins

Between 2013 and 2018, Kimi went 113 races without a victory. When he finally won again, his reaction summed him up perfectly: “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing.”

5. Valtteri Bottas – Most Poles Without a Title

Bottas was electric on Saturdays — 20 poles, no championships. Always fast, rarely first when the pressure peaked.

4. Fernando Alonso – Longest Gap Between Wins

His 2013 Spanish GP victory still stands as his last. Over a decade later, the fire’s still there — but the podium’s been heartbreakingly out of reach.

3. Ayrton Senna – Most Retirements While Leading

Senna drove on the edge, and sometimes over it. He lost more races from the lead — often to mechanical failures — than any other icon.

2. Felipe Massa – Closest Title Loss in F1 History

He won the 2008 Brazilian GP — and lost the title 39 seconds later to Hamilton. A single point separated glory from heartbreak.

1. Michael Schumacher – Most Dangerous Driving Penalties by a Champion

Seven titles, endless brilliance, and a ruthless streak. From Hill in ’94 to Villeneuve in ’97, Schumacher’s win-at-all-costs mindset left scars alongside trophies.

F1 Records That Drivers Would Love to Forget

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso