Formula 1 is always full of surprises for both fans and drivers. Many races turned lucky for some drivers and became unlucky for others. There are also times when back-of-the-grid teams and riders get some luck to win races in Formula 1.
The Unexpected race winners:
5.Pierre Gasly - Monza 2020
In honor of AlphaTauri, here are their best finishes:
— Daniel Valente 🏎️ (@F1GuyDan) January 19, 2024
Pierre Gasly: 1st (Monza 2020)
Pierre Gasly: 3rd (Baku 2021)
Pierre Gasly: 4th (Zandvoort 2021)
Pierre Gasly: 4th (Mexico 2021)
Yuki Tsunoda: 4th (Abu Dhabi 2021)
Daniil Kvyat: 4th (Imola 2020)pic.twitter.com/sVpLXak9rw
Pierre Gasly was demoted to Toro Rosso from Red Bull as his performance was very poor when compared with Max Verstappen. But the French man didn't give up he worked very hard to improve his race skills. During the 2020 Monza race, Charles Leclerc crashed hard into the Parabolica and Lewis Hamilton was given a penalty for entering the pits when they were closed.
This gave Pierre Galsy the chance to lead the race and he capitalized that perfectly. The race was the first since 2012 where no Ferrari, Mercedes or Red Bull were part of the podium. Gasly won the race for Toro Rosso (Alpha Tauri) holding off McLaren’s incoming Carlos Sainz and Racing Points Lance Stroll.
4. Esteban Ocon - Hungary 2021
crofty’s commentary as esteban ocon takes the flag, winning the hungarian grand prix, three years ago 🇫🇷🇭🇺 what a win!! pic.twitter.com/fewcN1Q1l4
— k ❁ 🍉 (@honey_ricc) August 1, 2024
The 2021 Hungary GP was very controversial between Red Bull and Mercedes where Valtteri took out both the Red Bulls at the start of the race in the first corner due to late braking. During Restart Hamilton started with intermediate tyres and the rest of the grid started with slick tyres but after realising Hamilton pitted after 4 laps on intermediates. This put Ocon in the lead along with Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel.
Vettel fought very hard but couldn't pass Ocon and finally, he was disqualified from the race due to low fuel levels which were not allowed. This put Hamilton and Carlos Sainz to clinch the podium alongside winner Esteban Ocon.
3.Pastor Maldonado - Barcelona 2012
A #SpanishGP classic for the ages
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 7, 2018
Pastor Maldonado claimed an incredible victory back in 2012 🏆
Holding off none other than home hero Fernando Alonso 👀 pic.twitter.com/l7RAyTojFb
‘The Maldonator’ known for many crashes won a race at the 2012 Spanish GP alongside Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen. At the start of the race, Alonso suffered turbulence in his car which allowed Maldonado to pass him and extended his lead by more than 3 seconds. Finally, Maldonado won the race for the very first time and also his last.
2. Sergio Perez - Bahrain 2020
THE MAN WHO WAS IN THE LAST PLACE AT THE END ON LAP 1, COMES HOME TO WIN THE SAKHIR GRAND PRIX. SERGIO PÉREZ. pic.twitter.com/QoFLpTdF9y
— marielena 🎃 (@checoxandor) February 9, 2024
Checo achieved his maiden Formula 1 win at Racing Point at the end of his tenure with the team. At the start of the race, Perez crashed with Leclerc and Verstappen forcing him to the pit stop. He was pushed to the last and Checo bravely passed every car before him and when Mercedes pitted he got the opportunity to lead the race, grabbed it and won the race.
1.Sebatsian Vettel - Monza 2008
Remembering 21-year-old Sebastian Vettel's memorable first win, back in 2008! 🙌#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/6hwseefhAh
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2020
Before giving the Red Bull team their first-ever Formula 1 victory Sebastian Vettel gave their Junior team Toro Rosso their first-ever win at Monza. He instantly became a superstar and was promoted to Red Bull after the season.
The rain hit Monza was no trouble for Vettel as he was the fastest in that race. Vettel took the pole during qualifying and took the win from pole in the race and became the youngest-ever race winner in Formula 1 which Max Verstappen beat in 2016.
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