The 10 best Formula One drivers who never won the World Championship: A look at the drivers who came close but fell just short of the ultimate prize. From Robert Kubica's near-fatal accident to Stirling Moss's remarkable career, these drivers have left an indelible mark on the sport. But what makes them so great? And what could have been if things had turned out differently? Let's dive in and explore the stories and achievements of these legendary drivers, and the impact they've had on the sport of Formula One.
The Drivers Who Came Close
Robert Kubica: The Near-Fatal Accident
Robert Kubica's F1 career was on an upward trajectory when tragedy struck. A near-fatal accident while rally driving ended his chances of joining Ferrari and partnering Fernando Alonso in 2012. The seven-hour surgery that followed left him unable to return to the level he once was. His return to racing, including a brief stint with Williams in 2019, is a testament to his resilience. Without that accident, many believe Kubica would have been fighting for world titles. The question remains: what could have been?
Mark Webber: The Runner-Up
Mark Webber had the talent and the team to win it all. His move to Red Bull elevated the team from F1 upstarts to title contenders. Webber's best season was 2010, when he finished within touching distance of the title in Abu Dhabi. But strategy errors and tyre issues cost him the championship, and Sebastian Vettel took the crown. Webber kept close, but Vettel was always one step ahead. The Australian's solid career and close calls make him a standout runner-up.
David Coulthard: The Runner-Up Contender
David Coulthard's early career was a tough one, competing alongside Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher. A move to McLaren seemed to present a chance at the title, but Mika Hakkinen was always one step ahead. Coulthard came closest in the 2001 season, finishing second behind Schumacher. Despite 13 wins and 62 podiums, he couldn't quite elevate himself to the next level. His career ended as one of the greatest British drivers of all time, leaving a lasting legacy.
Rubens Barrichello: The Ultimate Wingman
Rubens Barrichello was the ultimate wingman for Michael Schumacher, driving for Ferrari for a decade. With 322 starts, 11 wins, and 68 podiums, he was consistently very good but always one step behind the best. Without Schumacher, Barrichello may have won a title during Ferrari's dominant years. His move to Honda (later Brawn) didn't yield the same results as Jenson Button's. Barrichello's talent and dedication make him a standout runner-up.
Daniel Ricciardo: The Sliding Doors Moment
Daniel Ricciardo's F1 career has been filled with what-ifs. His decision to leave Red Bull for Renault was a sliding doors moment, as Max Verstappen took control of the Milton Keynes outfit. Ricciardo's time at Renault was harsh, and a move to McLaren didn't work out. A return to Red Bull with AlphaTauri demonstrated how far his star had fallen. At his best, Ricciardo was a fantastic driver, and the question remains: what could have been?
Didier Pironi: The Tragic Champion
Didier Pironi's F1 career was cut short by a tragic crash during practice for the German Grand Prix. He led the way in 1981, nine points ahead of his team-mate Villeneuve, but tragedy struck. Pironi's crash, at 170mph, left him unable to race again. According to legend, Enzo Ferrari visited Pironi in hospital and placed a cup next to his bed, reading 'Didier Pironi - the true 1982 World Champion'. His legacy as a potential champion is a testament to his talent and the impact he had on the sport.
Gilles Villeneuve: The Canadian Talent
Gilles Villeneuve's F1 career was cut short by tragedy, but his talent and impact on the sport are undeniable. He was within four points of a world title in 1979, and his route into F1 was via a North American Formula Atlantic race. Villeneuve's driving style and statistics are less important than the way he captivated Ferrari fans. His tragic death in 1982 left a void in the sport, and his legacy as a potential champion remains.
Jacky Ickx: The Le Mans Legend
Jacky Ickx's talents were not just confined to F1. The multiple Le Mans winner picked up plenty of titles, but the F1 championship eluded him. Starting 116 grands prix, mostly for Ferrari, he finished second in back-to-back seasons in 1969 and 1970. In 1970, he finished just five points off the winner, Jochen Rindt. Ickx's later career faltered, but his prime years were filled with impressive performances and a legacy as one of the best in the world.
Ronnie Peterson: The Superswede
Ronnie Peterson, nicknamed the Superswede, may have only won 10 of his 123 races, but it was often the car that let him down. A move to March in 1971 had him finishing second in the Championship behind Jackie Stewart. Peterson started on pole 14 times and was competing for the 1978 title when he suffered a fatal crash at the Italian Grand Prix. He remains the best driver to have ever come from Sweden, and his legacy as a potential champion is a testament to his talent.
Stirling Moss: The Unbeaten Champion
Stirling Moss is in a league of his own when it comes to F1 drivers who never won the championship. Finishing runner-up on four occasions, a feat matched only by Alain Prost, Moss won just under a quarter of the races he took part in at a time when reliability was no guarantee. His selflessness in 1958, vouching for Mike Hawthorn, is a testament to his character. Moss's impact on the sport extends beyond the numbers, and his legacy as a potential champion is secure.
The Impact and Legacy
These drivers have left an indelible mark on the sport of Formula One. Their stories and achievements have captivated fans and inspired future generations. From Robert Kubica's resilience to Stirling Moss's selflessness, these drivers have shown the human side of the sport. Their impact extends beyond the numbers, and their legacies as potential champions remain.
In conclusion, the 10 best Formula One drivers who never won the World Championship have left a lasting impact on the sport. Their stories and achievements have shaped the sport and inspired fans around the world. As we reflect on their careers, we can't help but wonder what could have been if things had turned out differently. But for now, their legacies as potential champions remain, and their impact on the sport of Formula One is undeniable.
