What other underdog (unfancied) F1 racing driver has impressed you on 1 occasion in the past?

Question

As that was probably Adrian Sutils most impressive moment of his racing career, I was thinking who else amazed just the once in their career?

( Luca Badoer 1999 European GP springs to mind)

Answer 1

kimi raikkonen on sauber petronas

Answer 2

giarncarlo fisichella in the early part of his career.  unfortunately, it was not to be..

Answer 3

I always expected something stupidly spectacular of Jean Alesi. He was a very determined and gutsy driver and capable on his day of blowing even the very best into the armco (maybe sometimes TOO literally. . )



(He looked pretty d**n good during the Itv coverage of Monaco last weekend!)

Answer 4

It would have to be Badoer at the Nurburgring. I used to love Minardi.

Answer 5

Hmm how about Canadian grand prix 91, Modena taking the tyrrell to 2nd and Piquet winning again with the Benetton, not exactly an underdog, and it was in part thanks to Mansell, but in those conditions they deserved the credit..

Answer 6

Always Jenson Button. And the day he won his first Formula 1 race was the best F1 day for me (because of all the ridicule I've endured from various people for being a Jenson fan), though I couldn't watch the race :(

And everytime he was close to winning and something happened to his car, I've felt like cursing Honda. All the front row starts that didn't convert to a point and all the other instances too.

But then despite the Honda car being what it is, Jenson is still with Honda. And I strongly believe his day will come. Sooner than later. His spirit is really great and he's a great driver driving an average and often less than perfect car. He's not been in the F1 news for 2 years now and still his commitment is true. I wish his day would come soon.

Answer 7

Mark Webber's first race!!!!

Answer 8

Even longer ago than your example.

Keke Rosberg winning the 1978 International Trophy in the wet at Silverstone. He was driving a Theodore which was as aerodynamic as a brick. The talent was obvious but he didn't get a decent drive until 1982 at Williams.

Answer 9

Mika Salo in the Ferrari. he would have won if it wasn't for the team orders to let Irvine win.

Answer 10

Marcus Winklehock, Nurburgring last year:)

Answer 11

Not a driver but a team.

Wolf Racing, won their first Grand Prix on their debut with Jody Schekter in 1977

Answer 12

The Luca Badoer one does come to mind here too...

Others to consider... Aguri Suzuki reaching the podium at his home GP in 1990

Damon Hill finishing 6th at the British GP in his Arrows, and then nearly winning in Hungary (1997)

Although you could say Hill was of top quality.. it was just a dog of a car he had to use

Pierluigi Martini and his constant exploits for Minardi in the 90's... leading at Estoril, scoring unlikely points here and there

Stefan Johansson scoring a podium in the Onyx at Estoril in 1989 (the same race Martini led at...)

Pedro Diniz was one who had moments in an otherwise mediocre (at best) career... 6th at Monaco 98 (good race for Arrows.. Salo was 4th!!) was probably his best moment.... Sutil-esque... but with a result lol

Answer 13

Jenson Button, he never gives in and Rosberg.