Formula 1 is known for its intense competition, but sometimes the drama doesn’t end with the checkered flag. In the recently concluded Belgian Grand Prix, a post-race drama stripped off George Russell from his victory. So, here’s a countdown of the top five most controversial post-race moments in F1 history, where the real action began after the race was over.
5. An unwanted clash (Malaysia, 2017)
The 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix post-race saw a bizarre incident involving Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll. As the race concluded, both drivers were making their way back to the pit lane when their lines unexpectedly converged at Turn 5.
Vettel, driving his Ferrari on the outside, collided with Stroll's Williams on the inside, resulting in significant damage to Vettel’s car. His rear wheel was knocked out of position, forcing him to abandon his car at the side of the track.
What followed was a memorable sight of Vettel hitching a ride back to the pits on Pascal Wehrlein’s Sauber. Despite the strange collision, both drivers retained their points finishes—Vettel in fourth and Stroll in eighth.
4. A shocking suspension (Japan, 1989)
One of the most infamous moments in F1 history occurred at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix, where Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost's fierce rivalry reached its peak. In the final stages of the race, Senna attempted to pass Prost at the chicane, resulting in a collision that ended Prost’s race on the spot.
However, Senna managed to continue after cutting the chicane, pitted for a new front wing, and ultimately took the checkered flag. But his victory was short-lived. The stewards deemed that Senna had re-entered the track illegally, leading to his disqualification, a hefty fine, and a suspended six-month ban. The decision not only cost Senna the win but also handed the championship to Prost.
3. Michael Schumacher’s trouble (Belgium, 1994)
Michael Schumacher's 1994 Belgian Grand Prix victory was marred by post-race controversy when he was disqualified for excessive wear on his car’s skid block. The race had been another dominant display by Schumacher, who crossed the finish line first, extending his lead in the championship battle against Damon Hill.
However, during the post-race inspection, it was found that the undercarriage of Schumacher’s Benetton had worn down more than the regulations allowed. This led to his disqualification, promoting Hill to victory. The disqualification was particularly impactful as it was compounded by a two-race ban that Schumacher had already received for an earlier infraction, forcing him to miss the next two races in Italy and Portugal.
2. Vettel Claims the P1 Board (Canada, 2019)
Sebastian Vettel’s frustration boiled over after the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix when he was penalized and stripped of his victory in favour of Lewis Hamilton. Vettel had dominated the race, leading from the start, but a late mistake saw him run off the track and rejoin in front of Hamilton, who had to brake to avoid a collision.
The stewards deemed that Vettel had re-entered the track unsafely and handed him a five-second penalty, which cost him the win. Furious, Vettel expressed his displeasure in a highly symbolic act by swapping the P1 and P2 boards in parc fermé, signalling his belief that he was the rightful winner.
1. Who won this battle? (Brazil, 2003)
The 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix was a race filled with confusion and controversy, leading to one of the most bewildering post-race outcomes in F1 history. The race, plagued by rain and multiple crashes, was red-flagged on lap 56, with Jordan’s Giancarlo Fisichella crossing the line first.
However, due to the confusion and a two-lap countback rule, McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen was initially declared the winner. It was only after a review that it was determined Fisichella had been in the lead when the race was stopped. This led to an unusual scene at the next race in Imola, where Raikkonen handed the winner's trophy to Fisichella, rectifying one of the most controversial decisions in F1 history.
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