F1 drivers with the longest gap in 2 podium finishes

In this article, we will be looking at some of the F1 drivers with the longest gap in between two podium finishes.

F1 drivers with the longest gap in 2 podium finishes

Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso

F1 is the highest level of motorsport where you will get to see sheer determination, drama and entertainment. 20 drivers compete for the top spot as they race all around the world in order to find out who is worthy of the title of World Champion. However, while talent is a factor that has been considered most of the time, it isn’t the only factor affecting the results of a driver.

After the checkered flag drops, all the final finishing positions are eventually confirmed. While the top 10 finishing drivers get points, the top 3 drivers get a special honour. They are called up to stand on a podium where they are presented with a trophy for their efforts along with some sparkling wine. However, getting a podium isn’t always easy for F1 drivers.

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When it comes to the most podiums achieved by a driver, Lewis Hamilton grabs the top honours with 188 podium finishes till date. This amount is just 33 more than 7 time world champion Michael Schumacher who has a count of 155. There are some drivers who have a long gap between podium finishes. Sometimes, it’s due to the car or other circumstances.

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Fernando Alonso had a 146 races gap between two podiums

Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne
Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne

The Spaniard went on to shine during the 2021 Qatar GP. Having been promoted to third after engine penalties struck Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas. The then Alpine driver went on to pull off a one stop strategy as he went on to finish in the same position that he started in. The last time he achieved a podium before Qatar was back during the 2014 Hungarian GP.

Alexander Wurz had a 128 races gap between two podiums

Alex wurz
Alex wurz

Right from the 1997 British GP, to the 2005 San Marino GP, Alexander Wirz waited for a staggering seven years, nine months and eleven days for his next podium finish. Technically, this could be considered as the longest gap between two podiums based to time alone. This being solely due to Alonso scoring a podium 168 days earlier to Wurz. He scored second podium after returning to F1 after a 5 year gap.

Michael Schumacher had a 99 races gap between two podiums

Ralph Schumacher and Michael Schumacher
Ralph Schumacher and Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher is arguably the greatest F1 driver of all time according to many. The German driver’s last win was during the final race of his first stint in the sport where he won the race. Later on, he came back from retirement in order to driver for Mercedes. He furthermore got on the podium during the 2012 European GP. This in turn was is 155th podium in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Thus, there lies a great list of drivers who have managed to be a part of one of the greatest honours in the pinnacle of motorsport. Getting a podium in F1 is no easy feat and requires sheer determination and talent to get the job done. With the 2022 F1 rules and leg’s being put in place, it will be easier for the cars to race closely with each other where they will challenge each and every person.

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