Unveiling the Most Formula 1 Starts Without a Podium Finish
In the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing, drivers often find themselves in the spotlight, celebrated for their victories and podium finishes. However, some drivers, despite their dedication and efforts, have faced the unfortunate reality of never making it to the podium. This article explores the journeys of these drivers, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and moments of near success throughout their careers.
Nico Hulkenberg: Breaking the Curse
Nico Hulkenberg, a name synonymous with perseverance in the world of Formula 1, made headlines by breaking an unwanted record at the 2025 British Grand Prix. With this race marking his 239th Grand Prix start, the Sauber driver finally secured a podium finish, taking third place. This remarkable achievement came after years of battling in the midfield and enduring a challenging career that began in 2010 when he won the GP2 title with Fred Vasseur’s ART Grand Prix.
Despite his talent and early promise, Hulkenberg’s journey in F1 has been marred by missed opportunities and strategic mishaps. For the majority of his career, he found himself in the thick of the midfield, unable to showcase his true potential. His absence from full-time racing between 2020 and 2022 only added to the struggles he faced. However, with his well-timed pit stops amid the chaos of a wet race at Silverstone, he finally realized his dream of standing on the podium.
Adrian Sutil: The Midfield Warrior
Adrian Sutil’s career in Formula 1 spanned from 2007 to 2014, during which he participated in 128 races without ever achieving a top-three finish. While he demonstrated skill and competitiveness, particularly against teammates like Paul di Resta, Sutil’s best result came in the form of a fourth-place finish at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix. Throughout his career, he found himself more often than not in positions that prevented him from contending for podiums.
Sutil’s near-misses include a memorable race at the Nurburgring, where he rose to second place before a collision with Kimi Raikkonen dashed his hopes. Additionally, he qualified second at Monza but ultimately finished fourth, even managing to secure the fastest lap during the race. His consistent ability to finish in the points highlighted his talent, yet the elusive podium remained just out of reach.
Pierluigi Martini: The Minardi Hero
Pierluigi Martini is often remembered for his association with the underdog Minardi team, which was known for its limited budget and fierce loyalty from fans. Martini raced in 119 Grand Prix events from 1984 to 1995, securing a best result of fourth place in both the 1991 San Marino and Portuguese Grands Prix. Despite his efforts, he never stood on the podium, a testament to the challenges faced by drivers in less competitive machinery.
Martini’s career was characterized by moments of unexpected success, including a brief lead in the 1989 Portuguese Grand Prix due to strategic tire choices. However, his limited resources meant that podium finishes were rare. Throughout his time in F1, he accumulated just ten points finishes, with his most notable achievements occurring in a sportscar career that culminated in a victory at the 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours.
Philippe Alliot: The Backmarker
Philippe Alliot had a career in Formula 1 that spanned from 1984 to 1994, during which he participated in 109 races without a single podium finish. Known for driving for teams such as RAM, Ligier, and McLaren, Alliot struggled to compete at the front of the grid. His best result came at the 1993 San Marino Grand Prix, where he finished fifth after starting in 14th place. Yet, this result was overshadowed by the fact that he was two laps down from the race winner.
Alliot’s journey through the sport was marked by a lack of competitiveness, and he holds the unfortunate record for the most starts without leading a lap. Despite these challenges, he enjoyed success in sportscar racing, where he achieved multiple podium finishes, including three at Le Mans.
Yuki Tsunoda: The Rising Star
Among the current crop of drivers, Yuki Tsunoda stands out as a promising talent who has yet to experience the thrill of a podium finish. Since making his debut in 2021, Tsunoda has participated in 99 Grand Prix races without reaching the top three. His journey began with AlphaTauri, where he faced a steep learning curve, often finishing behind his teammate, Pierre Gasly.
Tsunoda’s best result to date came at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he finished fourth. However, as he transitioned to Red Bull Racing in 2025, hopes were high for him to finally break his podium drought. Despite expressing his ambition to achieve podium finishes, Tsunoda faced the typical challenges of adapting to a new car and competing against established talent like Max Verstappen.
Pedro Diniz: The Pay Driver
Pedro Diniz’s career in Formula 1 lasted from 1995 to 2000, during which he participated in 98 races without ever finishing in the top three. Often labeled a "pay driver," Diniz’s career was characterized by his financial backing rather than on-track success. His best results came in the form of fifth-place finishes at the 1997 Luxembourg Grand Prix and the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix.
Despite being associated with teams like Forti, Ligier, and Arrows, Diniz struggled to compete with the front-runners. Although he managed to score points on a few occasions, his time in F1 was marked by a lack of opportunities to fight for podiums. After leaving the sport, Diniz shifted his focus to management and business ventures within the racing world.
Conclusion
The world of Formula 1 is filled with stories of triumph and heartbreak, and the drivers who have experienced the agony of never standing on the podium embody the struggles that many face in their pursuit of greatness. From Nico Hulkenberg’s long-awaited breakthrough to Adrian Sutil’s near-misses and Yuki Tsunoda’s ongoing journey, these stories serve as a reminder that success in motorsport is not solely defined by trophies but also by the resilience and determination of those who strive for excellence.
