Top 5 final-lap victories in F1 racing history

Formula 1 racing is renowned for its high-speed drama and thrilling finishes, but nothing captures the excitement quite like a final-lap victory. These heart-stopping moments showcase the skill, determination, and sheer willpower of the world's best drivers, often under intense pressure. 

From legendary overtakes to dramatic last-minute twists, final-lap victories are the pinnacle of F1 excitement. In this listicle, we delve into the top five final-lap victories in F1 racing history, celebrating the races where champions were made, and unforgettable moments were etched into the sport's lore. 

Here are the top five final-lap victories:

5. Kimi Raikkonen's Suzuka Masterclass, Japan 2005

When it comes to epic comeback drives, few can top Kimi Raikkonen's sensational performance at Suzuka in 2005. Starting from 17th on the grid due to a wet qualifying session, Raikkonen navigated the chaos of the early laps and battled fiercely with rivals. 

After strategic pit stops and overtakes, he emerged behind race leader Giancarlo Fisichella with a 20-second gap. Raikkonen relentlessly closed the gap and, on the final lap, executed a brilliant overtake around the outside of turn one to secure the lead. In a rare display of emotion, the "Iceman" celebrated his incredible victory, cementing his drive as one of the greatest in Formula 1 history.

4. The Epic 2011 Canadian Grand Prix

The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix set the record for the longest Formula 1 race and was voted the greatest race of all time. McLaren's Jenson Button faced numerous setbacks, including two crashes, a puncture, and a stop/go penalty, leaving him last at the midpoint. 

Defying the odds, Button delivered an unmatched performance in wet conditions, expertly navigating the tight Gilles Villeneuve circuit. In a stunning comeback, he carved through the field, seizing the lead from Sebastian Vettel on the final lap after a mistake by the Red Bull driver. Button's dramatic victory remains one of the most remarkable comebacks in Formula 1 history.

3. Hamilton Seizes Victory in Dramatic Last-Lap Duel, Austria 2016

Lewis Hamilton clinched a thrilling victory at the Austrian Grand Prix after a final lap collision with Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. Leading the race, Rosberg made a mistake at Turn One, allowing Hamilton to close in and attempt an overtake at Turn Two. Rosberg defended aggressively, forcing Hamilton wide. 

As Hamilton rejoined the track, Rosberg left minimal space, resulting in a collision that damaged Rosberg's front wing. Hamilton capitalized, passing Rosberg and cruising to victory. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen and Kimi Raikkonen overtook the struggling Rosberg, finishing second and third respectively. Rosberg limped home in fourth, followed by Daniel Ricciardo in fifth.

2. Barrichello Snatches Victory from Schumacher, US 2002

Teammates Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello entered the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the 2002 F1 Championships already secured for Ferrari. Schumacher led by a slim margin of 1.1 seconds on the final lap but astonishingly allowed Barrichello to pass him at the finish line.

Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Schumacher admitted, "The end of the race was not planned... We tried to cross the line together but failed by a tiny bit." Ultimately, it was Barrichello who claimed victory, marking his fourth win of the season. Together, Barrichello and Schumacher dominated the season, winning 15 out of 17 races, culminating in this memorable last-lap triumph.

1. Verstappen's Last-Lap Triumph: A Controversial Finale, Abu Dhabi 2021

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivered a dramatic finale as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, tied on points, battled for the championship. A late-race crash led to a controversial safety car deployment, with only some lapped cars allowed to un-lap themselves. This unusual restart placed Verstappen, on fresher, softer tyres, directly behind Hamilton. 

With a stunning final lap overtake, Verstappen seized victory and the championship, showcasing strategic prowess. Despite following the rules, handling of the safety car procedures ignited a fierce debate, spotlighting the tension between fairness and entertainment in Formula 1. This unforgettable race underscored the sport's unpredictability and the fine line between regulation and spectacle.